Teen Killed in Reno Sideshow: Fallon Resident Hunter N. Goodbear Dies

A tragic incident occurred in Reno, Nevada, leaving the community reeling after the death of 19-year-old Hunter N. Goodbear of Fallon. The fatality resulted from a sideshow‐style event on Sunday, November 2, at the intersection of Riggins Court and Meadow Wood Lane in south Reno.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office identified Goodbear as the pedestrian fatally struck in the collision. () He was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead on Tuesday, November 4, following complications from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. ()

According to official findings, the manner of death was ruled to be an “accident,” and the cause was cited as “complications of multiple blunt force injuries due to a pedestrian-sedan collision.” ()

Incident details

Officials say the crash happened during a “sideshow” — a term used to describe a gathering where vehicles perform stunts or drive recklessly in front of a crowd. (KRNV) At the time of the incident, a sedan was driving in front of a crowd when the pedestrian (Goodbear) was struck, according to the Reno Police Department. (KRNV)

Investigators located the suspect vehicle—a Lexus—on November 5 in Fallon, aided by tips from the public and the Tri-Net Task Force. A person of interest has been identified as the possible driver. (KRNV)

Though the investigation remains ongoing, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Reno Police or tip via the Secret Witness program. (KRNV)

About the victim

Hunter Goodbear lived in Fallon, Nevada — a modest community known for its ranching and military presence at nearby Naval Air Station Fallon. His tragic death has brought sudden attention to the risks associated with sideshow events in public spaces. While media reports do not detail his broader background, one article notes that Goodbear had been in the news previously as a runaway from Carson City when he was 14, and was found in Peoria, Arizona, in October 2020. (Our Town Reno)

His family issued a statement, shared via a GoFundMe page set up in his honor:

“First, we want to say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the overwhelming love, comforting messages, and support that has been shown to Hunter’s family… Losing him has left a pain we can’t put into words, and our hearts will forever have that void.” (Our Town Reno)

The fundraiser states that the family is facing both emotional and financial burdens — covering medical bills, funeral costs, and trying to navigate this unexpected tragedy. (Our Town Reno)

Community Impact and Concerns

This incident has stirred both grief and concern within the Reno area. Community members and local law-enforcement officials have expressed alarm about sideshow events, which often involve crowds gathering around vehicles performing high-risk maneuvers in uncontrolled settings. The risk to both participants and bystanders is significant.

In this case, the collision took place at a public intersection in south Reno, exposing both pedestrian and vehicle risks. The fact that investigators rapidly located the suspect vehicle and person of interest demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the event. (KRNV)

Next Steps

• The Reno Police Department continues its investigation, seeking to identify and charge a driver in connection with the hit-and-run collision. (KRNV)
• The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office has completed its ruling of manner and cause of death, establishing the official medical basis for the fatality. (Reno Gazette-Journal)
• The family and community are in mourning for Goodbear. While further details about his life and impact on his community are limited, the response so far underscores he was loved and valued by those around him.
• Local residents are being reminded of the dangers associated with vehicle stunts and public gatherings where roadways become performance zones rather than secure, controlled environments.

Broader Context

Sideshow events have been a recurring public-safety concern in many cities, including Reno. They often involve high speeds, reckless driving, crowd encroachment, and bystander vulnerability. Although the regulatory framework exists to address reckless driving and pedestrian safety, enforcement in spontaneous, loosely organized gatherings can be challenging.

In Reno, the combination of open space, vehicular access, and roadside visibility may attract such events. But, as in this case, the consequences can be deadly. The death of a 19-year-old brings home the human cost — both the loss of a young life and the ripple effects on a family and community.

In conclusion

On Sunday, November 2, at a sideshow event in south Reno — at the intersection of Riggins Court and Meadow Wood Lane — 19-year-old Hunter N. Goodbear of Fallon was fatally struck by a sedan performing in front of a crowd. He was pronounced dead two days later at Renown Regional Medical Center. Authorities have ruled his death an accident, caused by blunt force injuries from a pedestrian-sedan collision. Investigation efforts are ongoing, including locating the suspect vehicle and identifying the driver. Meanwhile, Goodbear’s family and the broader community are left grieving a promising young life cut short by a preventable act of reckless vehicular behavior.

If you like, I can check for any updates on arrests or legal proceedings in this case.