The authorities have announced that the death of a young Brazilian woman at a Taylor Swift concert in Rio de Janeiro was caused by heat exhaustion.
23-year-old Ana Clara Benevides became ill during Swift’s performance of Cruel Summer at the November gig and passed away in the hospital a few hours later.
The temperatures in the city had reached about 40C (105F) that day, and concert footage showed Swift halting the performance to request water for the fans. The extreme heat even prompted Swift to postpone the second concert of the tour in Rio.
A medical report has now confirmed that Ms. Benevides suffered heat exhaustion leading to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, resulting in her death from “alveolar hemorrhage and polyvisceral congestion caused by diffuse exposure to heat”. Toxicology tests came back negative for alcohol and drugs in her blood.
The report by Rio’s Forensic Medical Institute revealed that Ms. Benevides’ lungs were severely affected by the heat at the Nilton Santos Stadium, which was filled with more than 60,000 people. A friend of Ms. Benevides, who also attended the concert, stated in November that they were provided with water while waiting to enter the stadium.
The event organizers, T4F, stated that they followed all necessary protocols, complied with authorities’ demands, and distributed thousands of water bottles to fans. They also mentioned that Ms. Benevides received prompt medical attention and was transported to the hospital in an intensive-care ambulance.
T4F expressed their shock and sadness over the tragic incident and emphasized that in their 40-year history, they had never experienced such a tragic episode. Rio’s public prosecutor’s office has initiated a criminal investigation, and the event organizers will be called to testify following the analysis of the forensics report.
After Ms. Benevides’ death, Taylor Swift shared a statement on Instagram expressing her sorrow and grief over the heartbreaking incident.