When Taylor Swift rolled into Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with Sabrina Carpenter for The Era Tour, the city was ready for a multiple-day celebration. Unfortunately, tragedy has struck the region’s Swifties. According to TMZ, on Friday, November 17, a devoted fan of Swift died just before the scheduled concert.
Before the “Blank Space” singer could take the stage, news spread that said fan, named Ana Clara Benevides Machado, had passed away. After learning of the death, Swift took to her official Instagram page to pen a touching letter via her Stories in remembrance of the supporter.
Read Swift’s full letter below.
I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but it is with a shattered heart that I say we lost a fan earlier tonight before the show. I can’t even tell you how devastated I am by this. There’s very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too you.
I’m not going to be able to speak about this from stage because I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it. I want to say now I feel this loss deeply, and my broken heart goes out to her family and friends. This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring this tour to Brazil.
📲 Taylor Swift via Instagram Story
“I feel this loss deeply and my broken heart goes out to her family and friends. This is the last thing I ever thought would happen.”
Rest in peace beautiful Ana 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Jar4Z5MVyP
— The Eras Tour Updates (@TS13ontour) November 18, 2023
Machado’s cause of death has not been revealed. Ticketholders believe the heatwave in the region could have contributed to the tragedy. During the show, Swift was recorded handing out water bottles to onlookers.
So very sad, RIP Ana the conditions inside the stadium were insane. A heatwave and no water allowed which should be against the law to do.
We really feel so bad for her family and all Swifty fans including Taylor Swift herself.
Let people bring water and have plenty available… pic.twitter.com/fxRzbAWOkG
— Echo tone Music (@EcHoToNe) November 18, 2023
Another angle: Taylor Swift giving water to a fan. #RioTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/8A3fGJrnbq
— World Sound Waves (@WorldSoundWaves) November 18, 2023
Taylor Swift helps fans chant “Water” in order to get security & staff to bring water to fans who were suffering of dehydration.
The stadium where the Brazilian show was held banned fans from bringing water bottles.
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 18, 2023