The vibrant atmosphere of Taylor Swift's world tour in Rio de Janeiro took a dark and tragic turn as a second fan, Gabriel Milhomem Santos, lost his life in a brutal stabbing incident. The incident occurred just hours after he attended the eagerly anticipated concert at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium. This heartbreaking development follows the untimely death of another fan, Ana Clara Benevides, who succumbed to illness during the same concert.
The Shocking Incident:
Hailing from Belo Horizonte, Gabriel travelled to Rio to immerse himself in the magic of Taylor's performance. A student of aeronautic engineering, his love for the pop sensation was evident in the bracelet he proudly wore. The beach outing with his two female cousins, intended for relaxation, turned into a nightmare as three robbers attacked them. On Copacabana Beach on Sunday morning, November 19. As he rested, enjoying the serenity of the beach, he was fatally stabbed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Swiftie community, raising concerns about safety and security at high-profile events.
Previous Tragedy: Ana Clara Benevides
Taylor Swift shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Stories, expressing profound disbelief and heartbreak over the loss of a fan before her recent show. She conveyed immense devastation, mentioning the limited details she knew—highlighting the fan's beauty and young age. She revealed her inability to address this on stage due to overwhelming grief, emphasizing her deep sorrow and extending condolences to the fan's family and friends. She expressed how unexpected and heartbreaking this was as they brought the tour to Brazil.
According to reports in People magazine, the identity of the fan Taylor Swift mentioned remains unknown. However, the magazine highlighted the passing of a 16-year-old fan named Ally Garner Anderson, who had received a gift from the singer during Swift's Eras Tour stop in Cincinnati earlier this year. Anderson battled cancer for five years before her passing.
Another report by Folha mentioned the deceased as Ana Clara Benevides, a name confirmed by Ana's cousin, Estela Benevides. She reportedly fainted during the concert and was taken to the Salgado Filho Municipal Hospital. The report details that resuscitation efforts lasted about 40 minutes at the stadium, and Ana Clara suffered a second cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital.
Climate and Concerns:
The backdrop of this tragedy is set against a massive heatwave gripping the South American city. A recent video even captured Taylor seemingly struggling to breathe during her performance on November 17, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by both the audience and the performers.
The concert faced extreme heat conditions, with the heat index reaching up to 60oC, leading to several fans fainting. Taylor Swift had earlier paused her first show in Rio de Janeiro and responded to the crowd's chants for water by throwing a water bottle into the crowd. She also directed attention to those needing water, urging the organizers to ensure they received assistance.
Suggested Reading: Taylor Swift-Themed Cruise Set To Sail In 2024: Details Inside