Tragedy at the concert of Taylor Swift (33) concert in Rio de Janeiro ….
The superstar played the first of three concerts in the Brazilian coastal city on Friday. In honor of the singer, the famous Christ statue was even lit up with the words “Welcome to Brazil”. But the concert series is overshadowed by the death of a young woman.
The words “Welcome to Brasil” were projected onto the statue of Christ
A 23-year-old student, Ana Clara Benevides, collapsed at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos and was taken to the hospital, where she eventually died of cardiac arrest.
Her death was confirmed to the Brazilian daily Folha de S. Paulo by Benevides’ cousin Estela Benevides.
Eyewitnesses report what felt like 60 degrees during Taylor Swift’s show
It is unclear whether Ana Clara Taylor Swift’s was able to witness the performance, which began around 7:30 p.m. local time.
Heat wave in Brazil
Brazil is currently suffering from one intense heat wave. In Rio de Janeiro and other regions, especially in the center and south of the country, over 40 degrees were measured in the previous days. The perceived temperature at the venue was an incredible 60 degrees Celsius.
Taylor Swift interrupted her show several times
Fans scream for water
According to Folha, about a thousand fainting episodes were recorded by firefighters at the Swift concert. Fans claim on social media that they were not allowed to bring water bottles into the stadium – despite the unbearable record heat.
They released videos showing Swift stopping the show to alert organizers that fans were not feeling well.
“There are people who need water here,” she said, pointing to an area in the audience. “Whoever is responsible for this, please take care of it. Can I get a sign that you know where they are?”
The superstar also threw a water bottle into the audience himself.
Swift’s words after the tragedy
Shortly after her concert, Taylor Swift addressed her fans on her Instagram page with a message, saying she was shocked by the death in the stadium.
“I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but it is with a shattered heart that I have to say we lost a fan before my show tonight. “I can’t express how devastated I am,” Swift said.
With this handwritten message, Swift shared her pain over the loss of her fan
“There is very little information that I have other than the fact that she was incredibly beautiful and way too young,” she continues.
The singer also explains that she will not address the fan’s death on stage because it would be too difficult for her. Taylor continued: “This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring the show to Brazil.”