Teenager Critically Injured In 'Car Surfing' Fall Identified
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Columbia Heights teenager is in critical condition after attempting "car surfing."
Authorities say 17-year-old Andrew Green and another teen had been riding atop a moving vehicle through a residential Columbia Heights neighborhood Tuesday at about 10 p.m.
Police say Green fell off and hit the pavement while attempting the stunt.
Car surfing is a thrill-seeking stunt popular among teenagers, where people stand or lie on top of moving cars.
"He's just a really good kid," said Jeff Johnson, whose son is friends with Green.
Johnson told WCCO Green and his son are both involved in choir and theater at Columbia Heights High School.
Green and other classmates had come over to his house Tuesday night after a rehearsal for the spring play. Johnson went to bed before being woken up by his son.
"He said, 'Oh my god, did you hear the sirens and everything?'" Johnson said.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says the car Green was riding on was traveling around 20 miles per hour when he fell.
"That's really sad because he's involved," sophomore Elishadai Yilma said. "I heard about the car surfing happening but I didn't know he'd be the one."
Johnson says he is glad his son stayed home and was not involved Tuesday night, but thinks it is a reminder to all parents to be aware of the viral stunt.
"I really, truly hope he's OK," Johnson said.
Police say the incident remains under investigation.