RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A fan of pop superstar Taylor Swift lost her life at the singer’s recent concert in Rio de Janeiro. The concert organizers confirmed the sad news, identifying the deceased as 23-year-old Ana Clara Benevides Machado. On the night of the concert, Benevides Machado fell ill and was looked after by paramedics and firefighters. Despite being quickly taken to the on-premises medical center at the Nilton Santos Stadium and then rushed to Salgado Filho Hospital, she sadly passed away after an hour of intensive medical attention.
Following the incident, Swift took to social media to postpone her show scheduled for Saturday in light of the extreme heat conditions prevailing in Rio. The singer emphasized that ensuring the safety and wellbeing of her fans, team members, and crew is her utmost priority.
Friday’s temperature surged to a high of 105 degrees, and the heat index posed a stark number of 123 degrees, under the distinctive Brazilian heatwave, as reported by the National Meteorological Institute.
In a heartfelt note, Swift expressed her grief and devastation over the loss of her fan. The star revealed that she was not able to discuss the tragic incident on stage due to her overwhelming grief. Swift forwarded her deep condolences to the family and friends of Benevides Machado.
In the wake of the incident, concert organizers Time4Fun stated on social media that they are revising their policy to allow personal water bottles and food. They have urged the public to stay alert for signs of exhaustion. It is planned to have free water distribution points and eight medical posts at the subsequent concerts for the convenience of concert-goers.
With three shows scheduled in Brazil and the last one postponed to Monday, November 20, Swift’s “The Eras Tour” is set to continue its journey.