On November 17th, a fan collapsed and later died at a Taylor Swift concert due to the extreme heat in Rio de Janeiro. A coroner’s report on Wednesday (December 26) confirmed the cause of Ana Clara Benevides’ death: heat stroke.
40 minute attempt at resuscitation
When Taylor Swift performed in Brazil in November, there was an extreme heat wave. According to reports, the heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – reportedly reached 60 degrees Celsius at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium, where the American singer’s concerts were held. Benevides was said to have been there for more than eight hours before she began to feel unwell. According to the forensic report, the exposure to heat led to the 23-year-old’s cardiac and respiratory arrest. The finding makes it clear that Benevides did not have any pre-existing conditions or use of drugs that could have led to her death. It also said the psychology student suffered “serious impairment of her lungs and sudden death” due to the heat. The friend of the deceased told Folha de S. Paulo that Benevides was resuscitated at the scene for 40 minutes before being taken to hospital. The Swiftie died there.
Despite the high temperatures, the concert organizer is said to have not allowed water bottles from outside to be brought into the stadium. According to an unofficial count by a fire department employee, 1,000 of the spectators present fainted. Videos from the concert show Swift stopping the show twice to throw water bottles into the crowd. The artist herself also threw bottles from the stage at the concert-goers.
Following the incident, Taylor Swift supporters launched a petition for “The Ana Benevides Law,” aimed at the Brazilian National Congress. They want a law that would provide free water at events.
“Overwhelmed by grief”
Taylor Swift previously commented on the incident in an Instagram story: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but I’m heartbroken to say we lost a fan before my show tonight. I can’t tell you how shocked I am about this. There is very little information that I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young.” The singer added: “I feel overwhelmed by grief if I even try to talk about it. I want to say now that I feel this loss deeply and my heart goes out to her family and friends.”
At the second concert in Rio de Janeiro, on November 19th, the artist dedicated the song “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” to the deceased with an emotional performance.
Swift will continue her Eras Tour in the new year in Japan, Australia and Sigapur before heading to Europe. There will also be some concerts in Germany.
All Germany dates at a glance:
- July 17, 2024: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen (additional concert)
- July 18, 2024: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen
- 19. July 2024: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen (additional concert)
- July 23, 2014: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg
- July 24, 2024: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (additional concert)
- July 27, 2024: Olympic Stadium, Munich
- July 28, 2024: Olympic Stadium, Munich (additional concert)