Heat exhaustion killed Taylor Swift fan in Rio: forensics report

Heat exhaustion has caused the death of a Brazilian fan attending the concert of singer Taylor Swift in November.

The forensics report obtained by the Associated Press reported that 23-year-old Ana Clara Benevides passed out during Swift’s second song on November 17, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro. The young fan later died hours later at a local hospital.

During the song Cruel Summer, the temperatures reached about 40 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit).

Fans had lined up for hours for the show. The organizers have been accused of failing to deliver enough water for more than 60,000 concert attendees at the Nilton Santos Stadium. They shared that they were not allowed to take their own water into the concert stadium.

According to Rio’s Forensic Medical Institute, the heat exposure led to Benevides’ cardiorespiratory arrest. It was also reported that she did not have any pre-existing conditions or substance abuse before her untimely death.

The forensics expert reported in the document that she had “serious compromise of her lungs and sudden death” due to the heat.

T4F, the organizers, did not immediately respond for comment from the AP. CEO Serafim Abreu said in a video, released days after Benevides’ death, that the company is open to changing protocols for events under extreme heat and would offer assistance to the deceased’s family.

Rio’s public prosecutor has opened a criminal investigation. In a statement, the police said that following forensics report analysis, “representatives of the company organizing the event will be called to testify.”

After Benevides’ tragic death, Swift said the case had left her with a “shattered heart.”