A Spring Break trip in Port Aransas has turned into a fatal case now drawing widespread attention – after a viral stunt was followed by a deadly crash days later.
Authorities have confirmed that 22-year-old Michael Brown, who was filmed performing on top of a moving vehicle, has died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Michael Brown crash details: Highway 361 accident timeline
According to the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office, Brown succumbed to his injuries on March 20. The crash itself occurred on March 14 along Highway 361 near Access Road 1A on Mustang Island.
Police from the Port Aransas Police Department reported that the incident took place shortly after 7 PM, involving a 2012 Jeep Wrangler and a Tesla.
Viral Jeep stunt video: moments before the crash
Footage circulating on social media captured the moments leading up to the collision. The video shows Brown climbing through the sunroof of the moving Jeep and twerking on its roof while the vehicle was in motion. Investigators later confirmed he was a passenger at the time. Seconds later, the Jeep collided with another vehicle, bringing the situation to a devastating end.
Impact and injuries: multiple victims hospitalized
Authorities say the force of the crash ejected Brown from the vehicle onto the roadway. He was transported to a hospital in Corpus Christi in critical condition, where he later died. The other party involved in the crash suffered a serious head injury and was also hospitalized. The accident caused significant traffic disruption along the busy coastal route.
Images from the scene showed a heavily damaged Jeep and emergency responders attending to victims on the roadway. Witness footage also captured several individuals standing near the wreckage as emergency services worked to treat the injured.
DWI arrest: driver charged after investigation
Following the crash, the driver of the Jeep, identified as 24-year-old Riley Rhoades, was taken into custody. According to court documents obtained, Rhoades recorded blood alcohol levels of .14 and .12 – well above the legal limit of .08 in Texas, according to KIII 3 News.
He has been charged with intoxication assault and is currently being held at the Nueces County Jail on a $10,000 bond. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the arrest, noting that the investigation remains ongoing.
