RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A fan of pop sensation Taylor Swift tragically passed away prior to an opening concert on Friday in Brazil. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fan’s death. The alarming incident coincided with unusually high temperatures that swept across Rio De Janeiro, leading to authorities postponing Saturday’s concert as a safety measure.
Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology had previously cautioned residents about severe heat conditions coupled with high humidity. This combination made the temperature feel like it had crossed a dangerous threshold of 100 degrees.
Swift took to Instagram after her concert on Friday to mourn the loss of the young fan. She expressed her devastation over the tragic incident and mentioned the victim as being “incredibly beautiful and far too young.”
Heat indices, which account for both humidity and heat, reportedly peaked at nearly 140 degrees on Friday and Saturday in Rio, according to Reuters. Similar conditions had prevailed throughout the major part of the week, as reported by the National Institute of Meteorology.
In response to the incident and escalating heat conditions, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro announced amendments to protocols for events taking place at the Nilton Santos Stadium. This is to prevent any future casualties or illnesses arising from the heat.
Measures include allowing fans to carry water bottles into the venue during future shows, a practice usually prohibited. Additional health workers and ambulances will also be present on site. The infrastructure for water distribution will be expanded, and efforts to shield fans from direct sun exposure will be increased at future concerts.