LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Rio de Janeiro took an unexpected turn on Friday night, November 17, when a devoted fan of the pop star died. The tragic incident occurred at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos, coinciding with a heat warning in the city.
Who was Ana Benevides?
Ana Clara Benevides was a 23-year-old girl and according to Ana's cousin, Estela Benevides, Ana fainted during the concert. She is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest, as reported by Brazilian newspaper 'Folha De Sao Paolo'.
Despite immediate efforts by medical professionals on-site to revive her, Ana died tragically.
Reports suggest that the scorching weather, with temperatures reaching 100°F but feeling like 109°F, contributed to the unfortunate event, according to Dailymail.
Swift herself was witnessed urging stadium staff to provide concert attendees with water, a scene that circulated on social media.
However, it remains uncertain whether the group Swift pointed to included Ana.
Subsequently, Ana was taken to Salgado Filho Municipal Hospital, but sadly she did not survive.
Fans later claimed online that they were prohibited from bringing water into the venue, although this assertion is yet to be verified by reliable sources.
Taylor Swift's heartfelt Instagram tribute
In a poignant Instagram post following the concert, Swift expressed her disbelief and devastation at the loss of a fan.
"I can't believe I'm writing these words, but it is with her shattered heart that I say we lost a fan earlier tonight before my show. I can't even tell you how devastated I am by by this," Swift wrote. "There's very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far two young," she continued.
"I'm not going to be able to speak about this from the stage because I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it. I want to say now I feel this loss deeply, and my broken heart goes out to her family and friends. This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring the store to Brazil."
Swift's compassionate gesture
During the performance, Swift halted the show to ensure water was provided to members of the audience in need.
She also directed attention to concertgoers farther back, emphasizing the urgency of delivering water to those in distress.
At a certain point in the performance, Swift paused the concert and tossed a water bottle into the audience, indicating a specific group located about 30 to 40 feet away on the arena floor who were in need of water.
"So whoever is in charge of giving them that, just make sure that happens. Can I get a signal that you know where they are?"
"Do you see the phones?" Swift could be heard talking to her team off-stage as the crowd chanted: "Water, water, water, water."
Swiftie community mourns another loss
This tragic event follows another loss in the Swiftie community earlier this year.
A 16-year-old fan named Ally Anderson, who had battled cancer for five years, passed away on November 13.
Ally had been gifted Swift's '22' hat during the Eras Tour stop in Cincinnati, a moment that brought immense joy to both her and her mother.
The impact of these losses within the Taylor Swift fanbase has been profound, with the tragic incidents serving as reminders of the emotional connections shared between the pop star and her devoted admirers.
Fans mourn loss of 'Swiftie' Ana Benevides
One fan wrote, "This is heartbreaking beyond words. This should never have happened, the fact water wasn't allowed in the stadium in such a big heatwave is beyond me. Everything about last night's show and the hydration issues need to change."
"This is devastating, may she rest in peace," wrote another fan.
One commented, "May She Rest in Peace! May god gives strength to her family & closed ones to bear this loss."
"This is horrifying omg did this have to do with the situation of the really bad heat and no water policy in the stadium? Praying for her family and friends," said a fan.
One wrote, "It would have been one of the most beautiful memorable night for her only if the organisers had allowed water - organisers often won’t allow to carry anything to control people throwing things on artist. But not allowing water on such heat is beyond me."
