The search query "couple died at SoFi Stadium" tragically points to multiple incidents, but the most prominent and verified case involves a young couple killed in a horrific car crash just blocks from the venue. As of December 17, 2025, this tragic event is often conflated with an unverified, viral claim about an overdose inside the stadium, creating widespread confusion and misinformation online. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-checked look at the verified fatalities connected to the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium complex, including the heartbreaking loss of a San Diego couple and multiple construction worker deaths, while also addressing the persistent and unproven rumors.
The history of the SoFi Stadium site, located in Inglewood, California, is marked not only by massive construction milestones and major events—like the Super Bowl LVI and the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics—but also by a series of devastating and separate tragedies. From fatal construction accidents during its development to a deadly crash involving concertgoers and a mysterious drowning in the perimeter lake, the venue has been the epicenter of several somber events since its inception.
The Tragic Loss of Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda: A Couple Killed Near SoFi Stadium
The most direct answer to the search query "couple died at SoFi Stadium" is the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda. This young couple, both from the South Bay area, were tragically killed in a two-vehicle collision while on their way to a major event near the stadium.
Biography and Incident Details
- Names: Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda
- Age: Alexandra Ruiz (20); Dante De Anda (25)
- Residency: South Bay Area (San Diego couple, according to some reports)
- Date of Incident: August 3, 2023
- Location: Blocks away from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
- Circumstances: The couple’s Volkswagen Jetta collided with a Tesla SUV. They were en route to the HARD Summer Music Festival, which was being held at the stadium complex.
- Significance: Their death represents the most prominent and verified case of a 'couple' fatality directly linked to an event at the SoFi Stadium complex, albeit occurring off-site.
The accident occurred on August 3, 2023, as the couple was traveling to the highly anticipated HARD Summer music festival. Their vehicle, a Volkswagen Jetta, was involved in a devastating collision with a Tesla SUV just a few blocks from the stadium grounds in Inglewood. Both Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda were pronounced dead at the scene. The loss sent shockwaves through the local community and among the music festival attendees, highlighting the dangers of the roads surrounding the busy entertainment complex.
Viral Misinformation: Addressing the Unverified Fentanyl Overdose Claim
A significant portion of online searches and public curiosity regarding a "couple died at SoFi Stadium" stems from a specific, unverified claim that circulated widely on social media platforms. This claim alleged that a couple had died inside the venue due to a fentanyl overdose while attending an event.
The rumor was notably amplified by far-right radio host Alex Jones, who shared a video purportedly showing two motionless individuals in the stands. Jones further linked the unverified overdose claim to "experimental mRNA injections," adding a layer of conspiracy to the already tragic narrative.
It is crucial to note that as of the current date, there has been no official confirmation from the Inglewood Police Department, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office, or any major, credible news outlet verifying this specific incident. The claim remains a viral piece of misinformation. The lack of official reports or victim identification suggests that the video either depicts a non-fatal medical emergency, a situation unrelated to a fatality, or is entirely miscaptioned, but it is not a verified death event.
Construction and Perimeter Fatalities: A Record of Tragedy
The SoFi Stadium site has been the location of several other confirmed fatalities, primarily during the construction phase and in the surrounding perimeter areas. These incidents, while not involving a couple, are a significant part of the venue's tragic history and contribute to the overall search volume for "SoFi Stadium deaths."
Fatal Construction Accidents (2020)
The construction of the massive $5.5 billion complex was marred by two worker deaths in 2020, leading to investigations and citations by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal-OSHA).
- Juan Becerra (June 2020): Juan Becerra, a 37-year-old ironworker from Brownsville, Texas, died after falling an estimated 110 to 120 feet from the roof of the stadium in the southeast corner. He was an employee of ZD Inspections. The incident resulted in Cal-OSHA citing two companies, ZD Inspections and Fabritec Structures, for safety violations. His family later filed a lawsuit against the developers.
- Simon Fite (July 2020): Simon Leo Fite, a 31-year-old worker from Compton, died just over a month later. Initial reports suggested a "health-related issue." The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office later determined the cause of death to be "cocaine intoxication" and heat exhaustion.
Drowning and Mysterious Death in the Lake Perimeter
The artificial lake that surrounds the stadium complex has also been the site of two separate, non-related fatalities, further fueling public concern about the safety of the grounds.
- Mirai Shepard (Drowning): Mirai Shepard, a 19-year-old man from Chula Vista, died after drowning in the lake. Authorities had received a call about an individual jumping into the water late one evening. The incident was classified as a drowning.
- Javier Bautista-Reyes (Sharp Force Injury): In a separate, more mysterious incident, the body of 45-year-old Javier Bautista-Reyes was recovered from the lake. His death was not classified as a drowning. An autopsy report indicated he died from a "sharp force injury," and two knives and a blade were reportedly found near his body. Authorities stated he had trespassed and jumped into the lake.
The Lasting Impact and Security Measures
The cumulative effect of these tragedies has placed the SoFi Stadium complex, home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, under intense scrutiny. Each incident has prompted a review of safety protocols, whether related to construction, perimeter security, or event management.
The death of Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda led to increased focus on traffic safety and event logistics for large-scale music festivals like HARD Summer. Similarly, the construction fatalities resulted in significant fines and safety citations from Cal-OSHA, forcing contractors like Turner-AECOM Hunt to implement stricter fall protection and health monitoring for workers. The drownings in the lake have also raised questions about the accessibility and security of the perimeter water features, especially during off-hours.
While the highly sensationalized claim of an internal fentanyl overdose remains unsubstantiated, the verified deaths of a young couple near the venue, two construction workers on-site, and two individuals in the surrounding lake are a grim reminder of the real-world tragedies connected to the massive sports and entertainment development in Inglewood. The search for "couple died at SoFi Stadium" ultimately reveals a complex web of verified and unverified incidents, with the tragic loss of Alexandra Ruiz and Dante De Anda being the true, verified fatality involving a couple linked to a stadium event.
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