This year’s Astroworld music festival ended on a grim note after a huge crowd surged towards the stage for Travis Scott’s set. Unfortunately, this resulted in a stampede that caused several people to be trampled on.
Many were left injured, and nine people have already died because of the tragic incident. Eight of the casualties reported perished during the event, whereas the ninth person died in the hospital due to her injuries. The victims were aged between 14 to 27 years old.
However, the death toll has already risen by one as the horrendous event tragedy has taken yet another life, that of 9-year-old Ezra Blount. His injuries include severe swelling in the back of his brain as well as severe damage to his brain, kidney, and liver. After spending a few days in the hospital on life support and in a medically induced coma, the young boy succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. The news was confirmed by attorney Ben Crump who represents Ezra’s family.
The attorney has recently filed a million-dollar lawsuit against Travis Scott and the event’s promoter, Live Nation alleging grossly negligent conduct. He said in a statement, “The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration. Ezra’s death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer.”
According to his family, Ezra was a huge Travis Scott fan. He attended the concert with his father, Treston Blount, who shared that he had Ezra on his shoulders. In addition, they stayed at the back as it seemed calmer and to avoid the crowd.
However, when Travis Scott appeared on stage, people started pushing forward, and the pair got caught in the commotion. Eventually, Treston lost consciousness, and when he came to, he could no longer find his son. As it turns out, when he passed out, Ezra fell to the ground, where the densely packed crowd trampled the boy.
Moments after the news of Ezra’s death broke, people were quick to offer their condolences. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner extended his sympathy to the boy’s family and said on Twitter, “I am saddened to learn of Ezra’s death this evening. Our city tonight prays for his mom, dad, grandparents, other family members and classmates at this time. They will need all of our support in the months and years to come. May God give them strength.”
Live Nation said in a statement to BuzzFeed, “We are heartbroken by this news, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends.” On the other hand, Travis Scott has not made any comments regarding Ezra Blount’s death.
The devastating tragedy has opened up the discussion regarding the safety of music festivals and other similar shows. As a result, people from all over the world are now demanding organizers and promoters of upcoming large-scale events to employ better crowd control measures.
