A fan of singer Taylor Swift, psychology student Ana Clara Benevides, 23, has died after falling ill during the singer’s first show in Rio de Janeiro on Friday evening (11/17). She died after feeling ill and being taken to the Salgado Filho municipal hospital.
The cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest, according to information provided to Folha de S. Paulo by Estela Benevides, a cousin who received the news on the phone from the doctor who attempted to resuscitate her.
Statement from Taylor Swift
After learning of the tragedy, Taylor Swift spoke out on her Instagram account. “I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but it is with a broken heart that I say we lost a fan tonight, before my show,” she began. “I can’t even tell you how devastated I was by this. I have very little information other than the fact that she was incredibly beautiful and incredibly young.”
She continued: “I won’t be able to talk about this on stage because I feel overwhelmed with sadness when I try to talk about it. I want to say that I now feel this loss deeply and my broken heart goes out to his family and friends. This was the last which I thought would happen when we decided to bring this tour to Brazil.”
Concern about the heat
While few details have been released, videos circulating on freezing almost 60 degrees.
The singer can also be seen in a video where he pauses the show to make sure fans get water. “There are people who need water right here, maybe 10 meters away,” he told the crowd. “So whoever is in charge of giving it to him, just make sure it happens. Can I get a signal that you know where I am?”
People on social media said security at Engenhão Stadium, where the show took place, prohibited the audience from bringing water to the show.
Firefighters interviewed by Folha said that around a thousand fans fainted during the presentation due to the strong heat that hit Rio de Janeiro.
Upcoming shows
Taylor just kicked off the international leg of his Eras Tour in Latin America last week, starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She began her visit to Brazil on Friday, in Rio de Janeiro, and will perform two more shows in the city this Saturday (11/18) and Sunday (11/19). Next, the singer will perform in Sao Paulo on November 24, 25 and 26. All tickets are sold out.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
