After some weeks of speculations and rumors, the truth behind the passing of a Taylor Swift fan has been revealed. The concertgoer in question, Ana Clara Benevides, a 23-year-old Swiftie, passed away due to heat exhaustion, a forensics report unveiled. The death cause had been speculated throughout the Internet and Brazilian media, causing controversy.
The situation took place on November 17th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That day, Ana Clara Benevides attended Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour,” during one of the hottest days of the year in the Brazilian city. Suddenly, she collapsed amid “Cruel Summer” (one of Taylor’s songs) and was taken to the hospital, but didn’t make it.
These are some of the facts before the show: fans were under extreme temperatures, queuing for hours with claims of insufficient water supply at the Nilton Santos Stadium. Over 60,000 concertgoers were present, and many were not allowed to bring their water bottles in. In addition, it has been said that fans were taken away by the staff. All of these occurred while the temperatures soared at a scorching 40°C (105°F).
Now, The Forensic Medical Institute of Rio‘s report revealed the truth: the extreme heat led to Ana’s cardiorespiratory arrest, and no other conditions or substance abuse played a role in this tragic passing. The exports noted a “serious compromise” of Ana’s lungs, attributing her sudden death directly to the heat.
This situation has launched a criminal investigation in Rio de Janeiro against T4F, the concert organizers. While they insist they provided bottles of water and complied with safety norms, the police still have stated that T4F representatives will be summoned for testimony.
UPDATE FROM BRAZIL:
Ana Clara Benevides’ death has been confirmed as heat exhaustion. She suffered internal bleeding after the veins/arteries that irrigate her lungs ruptured, as well as multiple organ failure. Let’s keep pushing for T4F to be held accountable
INVESTIGUEM A T4F pic.twitter.com/MDwhV1gaO3
— Nanda ❤️🔥 (@midnight_nanda) December 27, 2023