A 17-year-old boy tragically died early Saturday, May 20, after falling from the 6th Street Viaduct in Los Angeles, during filming of a dangerous social media stunt. 

The body of the teenager was located on the Viaduct’s east side, a region that has become notorious for reckless acts spurred by online thrill challenges. Three people have died on or near the bridge in the past 10 months.

The identity of the deceased is being kept confidential by authorities. At a Los Angeles Police Commission assembly on Tuesday, May 23, Police Chief Michel Moore shared information about the unfortunate incident. The teenager reportedly slipped and fell while attempting to climb one of the Viaduct’s arches, presumably to capture the feat for social media.

The $588 million 6th Street Viaduct, inaugurated in July 2022, swiftly became a popular city landmark. This modern marvel, replacing an 84-year-old Art Deco bridge, stretches 3,500 feet over the Los Angeles River, connecting the city’s downtown to the historic Eastside. With its design illuminated by thousands of LED lights and offering breathtaking city skyline views, it stands as the city’s largest and most expensive project of its kind.

Despite its popularity, the bridge has been beset by a string of problems. Due to ongoing concerns about street racing, graffiti, and unsanctioned gatherings, authorities have had to periodically block access to the structure.

There was an incident where a man got a haircut while sitting in a barber’s chair placed in the middle of the roadway.

In January, a man was killed in a shooting while filming an unauthorized music video.

Chief Moore addressed the Police Commission, noting the significance of the structure in LA but expressing sorrow about the sad incidents that have occurred there. He emphasized the need for increased patrols in that area to deter dangerous behaviors.