In the wake of Taylor Swift’s concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the event has been marred by two tragic incidents. A second fan, Gabriel Milhomem Santos, met a heartbreaking end after attending the singer’s show at the Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium. Gabriel, who had traveled from Belo Horizonte to Rio for the concert, was fatally stabbed while resting on Copacabana beach just hours after the performance. Wearing a ‘Swifties’ friendship bracelet, he had a passion for Taylor’s music and had even made special arrangements to watch the show.
The circumstances surrounding Gabriel’s death involve a robbery, with three assailants taking his life and belongings. Two of the robbers, Alan Ananias Calvacante and Anderson Henriques Brandão, were previously released from custody for a separate crime. A third assailant, Jonathan Batista Barbosa, remains at large, with a history of ten other crimes. This tragic incident follows the death of another fan, Ana Clara Benevides, who suffered cardiorespiratory arrest at the concert venue due to the intense heatwave in the city.
Taylor Swift expressed her devastation over the incidents, acknowledging the loss of both fans. The singer, visibly affected by grief, shared her condolences and described her broken heart. The unfortunate events cast a somber shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment in Rio, prompting questions about the security and safety measures at large-scale events and the impact of extreme weather conditions on concertgoers.