Man killed during illegal soapbox race

TARZANA (KABC) -- A man was killed on Sunday when his homemade soapbox racer spun out of control.

Witnesses say Michael Joseph Garcia, 22, of Sun Valley, was a member of a group called the San Fernando Valley Illegal Soapbox Federation.

The group held a race Sunday where the deadly crash happened.

The racers met around 7:00 A.M. near Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana.

Shortly after the race began, Garcia racer lost control of his soapbox and crashed into a parked car, witnesses said.

Police say Garcia suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital where he died. Garcia was wearing a helmet, but it's unclear if it was properly secured as it flew off upon impact, police said.

The group calls themselves the Illegal Soapbox Federation because its races technically pose a "public safety risk." The soapbox racers can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and can become difficult to control, despite the cars' brakes.

 

Click here for more headlines from ABC7 Eyewitness News

Get more Local »

local

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•