Current:Home > MarketsTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -DataFinance
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:03:10
Taylor Swift's fans are saying "Long Live" to a fellow Swiftie.
Jacob Lewis, 20, died on April 22 after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while leaving a Taylor Swift concert, according to local outlet KPRC. He was reportedly driving back from the Eras Tour show in Houston, Texas with sister April Bancroft when they ran into car issues.
The 20-year-old was driving a Buick LaCrosse on South U.S. Highway 59 around 1:15 a.m. when the "vehicle became disabled," according to an April 24 press release from Houston police that didn't name the victim. Authorities said he stepped out to push their car when he was hit by Alan Bryant Hayes, 34, driving a Volkswagen Beetle. Lewis died at the scene.
Lewis' dad Steve Lewis told KPRC that Hayes "stopped and got out and helped my daughter pull my son, pull Jacob from under his driver-side tire." He said the alleged suspect then fled, adding, "Only after that did he get back in his car and drive off and leave."
Hayes was eventually taken into custody and charged with a DWI, as well as failure to stop and render aid, police said. E! News has reached out to Harris County police for lawyer information for Hayes but has not heard back.
In the wake of his death, Swift's fans have been coming together to pay their respects with $13 donations—the singer's lucky number—to Lewis' GoFundMe page, as well as share lyrics from her emotional songs "Long Live" and "Bigger Than the Whole Sky." The donations have surpassed $120,000 as of April 25.
Lewis' sister told KPRC how she was coping with the unimaginable loss of her brother. "It was the night I had been looking forward to for a very long time and turned for the absolute worst," Bancroft said. "What I hope will be the worst thing I have to live through."
She also reflected on the tragedy on Twitter, resharing a video of the siblings at the April 21 concert. "I cannot even describe the pain I feel at this moment for the loss of my brother," she tweeted. "We loved you so much @taylorswift13. Thank you for making this our last memory together."
In light of the support she's received from fans, Bancroft added, "I cannot express the overwhelming happiness and gratitude from every #Swiftie out there. Thank you thank you thank you. I will get to your messages eventually if I haven't already, your words have inspired me through my day so much."
Lewis was taking a gap year from Sam Houston State University when he died, according to KPRC. He was passionate about Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons and the Black Lives Matter movement, per his Twitter page.
"He was a really talented actor and singer," Lewis' dad told CBS' KHOU11 News. "[He] loved being on stage and performing. He was a good friend to a lot of people around him and just a really good kid."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (25281)
Related
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Stock market today: Asian shares mostly decline after Nasdaq ticks to a record high
- Former Arizona GOP chair Kelli Ward and others set to be arraigned in fake elector case
- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange can appeal against U.S. extradition, U.K. court rules
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Storms have dropped large hail, buckets of rain and tornados across the Midwest. And more is coming.
- Ex-Cowboys QB Tony Romo plays round of golf with former President Donald Trump in Dallas
- Chris Pratt Shares Insight Into His Parenting Style With All 3 Kids
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Police search home of Rex Heuermann, accused in Gilgo Beach slayings, for second time
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Defense witness who angered judge in Trump’s hush money trial will return to the stand
- Jennifer Lopez Puts Her Wedding Ring on Display on Red Carpet Amid Ben Affleck Breakup Rumors
- Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark injures ankle, but returns in loss to Connecticut Sun
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Victoria Monét drops out of June music festival appearances due to 'health issues'
- Former Florida Gators, Red Sox baseball star arrested in Jacksonville child sex sting
- Trump or Biden? Either way, US seems poised to preserve heavy tariffs on imports
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Matthew Perry’s Death Still Being Investigated By Authorities Over Ketamine Source
Report says home affordability in Hawaii is ‘as bad as it’s ever been’
‘Justice demands’ new trial for death row inmate, Alabama district attorney says
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Report says home affordability in Hawaii is ‘as bad as it’s ever been’
Denver launches ambitious migrant program, breaking from the short-term shelter approach
US Open champ Coco Gauff calls on young Americans to get out and vote. ‘Use the power that we have’