The family of a young San Antonio Spurs fan declared brain-dead after falling from a truck during a post-game celebration said they aren’t giving up hope yet as the teen is still “fighting for his life.”
Jose Luis Rodriguez III, known to loved ones as Joey, suffered a catastrophic head injury and has been in the hospital since Thursday’s accident following the Spurs’ Conference Finals win over the Oklahoma City Thunder to force a game seven.
“I believe in God, and I believe in miracles. I’m trying to hold on for my son, my daughter-in-law, and the rest of the family,” Rodriguez’s paternal grandmother told KSAT as she asked the city to pray for her grandson.
Rodriguez was declared brain dead by doctors after he landed on his head during wild celebrations following the Spurs’ win, which tied the Western Conference finals with the Thunder at 3-3.
The Spurs went on to complete the turnaround against the Thunder on Saturday, winning the Western Conference title — and getting up an NBA finals showdown with the Knicks.
Rodriguez’s family said he is “fighting for his life,” and they are holding out hopes for a recovery.
His grandmother said the teenager’s organs are still functioning despite his critical head injuries.
