Taylor Swift Resumes “Eras Tour” in Rio de Janeiro After Tragic Death of Fan
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - An emotional Taylor Swift returned to the stage in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday after postponing her show due to scorching temperatures and the tragic death of a fan. Swift, 33, paid tribute to 23-year-old Ana Clara Benevides by singing "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" off her 2022 album “Midnights” during a torrential downpour at Estadio Nilton Santos.
Ana Clara Benevides had been camping out in the sweltering heat all day, waiting for the concert. However, she reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest just minutes before the show was set to start. According to Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo, Benevides was resuscitated for about 40 minutes at the stadium but suffered a second cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital. The extreme heat, with a heat index reaching 140°F, was believed to have contributed to her condition.
Taylor Swift took to Instagram to express her devastation upon hearing the news of Benevides' passing. She described the fan as "incredibly beautiful and far too young." Swift continued, "I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it." The singer made the difficult decision to cancel her show, citing the safety and well-being of her fans, fellow performers, and crew as her top priority.
This wasn't the first time Swift had to postpone a show on her international leg of the Eras Tour. Just days prior, she was forced to cancel her Buenos Aires concert due to a massive rainstorm that flooded the stadium. Swift's concern for her fans' well-being was evident during her Rio de Janeiro performance. She paused the show multiple times to ensure that fans stayed hydrated amid the scorching temperatures. In a video posted on social media, Swift can be seen requesting water for fans who were chanting for it.
Despite the tragic loss, Taylor Swift resumed her tour in Rio de Janeiro, showing strength and resilience. The singer is scheduled to perform in S??o Paulo on November 24-26 before taking a break for the holidays. She will then resume the tour in Japan in 2024. Swift's heartfelt tribute to Ana Clara Benevides serves as a reminder of the profound impact music can have on people's lives and the importance of prioritizing safety in live performances.
