From an NBA perspective, every time the San Antonio Spurs advanced in this postseason, it brought box-office numbers. But there is an equally dark side to it. After every win, thousands of locals have filled downtown Commerce Street and Southwest Military Drive with their cars to celebrate the ‘honking’ tradition. Fans dangerously peek out of their windows, wave their flags, and chant “Go Spurs Go.” But the tragic death of a 17-year-old has forced the cops to take action.

“Police Chief William McManus said the department will roll out new traffic plans for downtown and the South Side to manage crowds expected after Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the New York Knicks and after future Spurs victories,” according to the San Antonio Express-News. “McManus declined to describe the changes in detail, citing safety concerns.”

“We will have a traffic plan set up going forward that we hope will diminish some of that celebration that’s not all that safe,” the chief said in an interview.

Jose “Joey” Luis Rodriguez III passed away on Tuesday at University Hospital after being removed from life support. Rodriguez had fallen out of an SUV and suffered a “catastrophic” brain injury during a honking celebration in the 300 block of West Dickson Avenue, just north of Southwest Military Drive. He had been fighting for his life for the last few days. The teen’s aunt, Victoria Lopez, described it as a “nightmare” for the family.

“He was ready to go out there into the world and make something of himself,” Lopez told KSAT. “It’s just a terrible tragedy.”

Rodriguez’s other aunt, Yvonne Hudson, revealed that the teen had sought his parents’ permission to participate in the honking celebrations. But he received a flat no because of the “nonsense” that goes down at these parties. The 17-year-old then negotiated that a parent would accompany them. His parents agreed. But in reality, it was just a group of friends who went alone. He was sitting at the passenger window before the SUV hit a curb, and he flew out of the car.

Hudson revealed that Rodriguez did not have a pulse for eight minutes while he was being transferred to a local trauma center. And even though the teen was soon declared brain dead, his family continued praying for his recovery.

“We were praying for a miracle,” Moses Rodriguez (uncle) told PEOPLE. “Under the circumstances, I know he would want us to be religious, and he would want us to keep our faith.”

“I believe in God, and I believe in miracles,” Rodriguez’s grandmother told KSAT. “I’m trying to hold on for my son, my daughter-in-law, and the rest of the family.”

But there eventually came a time when Rodriguez’s loved ones had to make the heartbreaking decision to end life support after difficult conversations with doctors, given the extent of his injuries.

The case remains under investigation, according to McManus. The chief offered his condolences to Rodriguez’s loved ones and said it was “unfortunate that the Spurs’ celebration was marred by the teen’s death.”

Two GoFundMe fundraisers had raised more than $14,000 to help cover funeral expenses. The family is also planning a benefit chicken-and-sausage plate sale from 11 am to 3 pm on June 13 at 328 S. San Gabriel Ave. on the West Side.

A Spurs representative declined to comment, saying the organization wants to give the family time to grieve. Ahead of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, Spurs player Dylan Harper used a minute of his press conference to address the fans and ask them to be responsible.

“I love y’all. Be safe out there in San Antonio,” Harper said. “I understand y’all are excited, but you’ve got to be safe out there.”

For those wondering how dangerous these honking celebrations are, SAPD made 13 arrests after Saturday’s Game 7 (Western Conference Finals). Rodriguez badly injured himself two nights prior when the community was celebrating how Victor Wembanyama forced a Game 7.

Now, the Finals fever has taken over, even though the Spurs lost Game 1 105-95. But for Game 2, Game 5, and a potential Game 7, the locals are gearing up to celebrate with the most energy. As another precautionary measure and to spread awareness, the SAPD has even used social media to broadcast messages and videos urging fans to obey traffic laws, stay in their vehicles, and follow officers’ directions.

But McManus said, “police cannot watch every person in crowds that can reach into the thousands. Officers are directed to manage traffic and intervene only when they see dangerous or criminal behavior.”

“We want everybody who comes down there to have a good time and to celebrate responsibly, as we say during Fiesta, and we want them to respect others’ safety as well,” McManus said.

The honking tradition originated in 1999, when the Spurs made a title run under Gregg Popovich. This wasn’t a celebration back then. People who left the arena were often stuck in traffic for hours due to street congestion. It led them to honk continuously, and eventually that became a rhythm. The rest is history. It became a staple in championship years.

The tradition largely faded away after a seven-year playoff drought. But it has resurfaced since Wemby’s arrival and returned with further renewed enthusiasm during this year’s postseason run.

McManus was SAPD Chief during the Spurs’ 2007 and 2014 championship runs as well. But even he can’t process the rowdiness and the unruly behavior.

“There seems to have been a shift in that behavior over the years to what it is now,” McManus said. “I think social media drives a lot of it.”

That’s why there are strict laws and changes in plans during the NBA Finals.