Current:Home > ScamsTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -Elevate Capital Network
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-16 08:12:02
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! (4821)
Related
- Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
- Pennsylvania chocolate factory fined for failing to evacuate before fatal natural gas explosion
- The communities experimenting with how to be more resilient to a changing climate
- Current 30-year mortgage rate is highest in over two decades: What that means for buyers
- Golf's No. 1 Nelly Korda looking to regain her form – and her spot on the Olympic podium
- Man with handgun seeking governor arrested in Wisconsin Capitol, returns with assault rifle
- South African flag may be taken down at rugby & cricket World Cups for doping body’s non-compliance
- A year after Thai day care center massacre, a family copes with their grief
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- More than 70 million candy rollerballs recalled after 7-year-old girl choked to death
Ranking
- Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
- Police officer serving search warrant fatally shoots armed northern Michigan woman
- Accountant’s testimony sprawls into a 4th day at Trump business fraud trial in New York
- Josh Duhamel Reveals the Real Reason Behind Fergie Breakup
- Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. The Spanish translation was no bueno
- Starbucks is distributing coffee beans it developed to protect supply from climate change effects
- 'Hated it': Blue Jays players unhappy with John Schneider's move to pull José Berríos
- Russian journalist who staged on-air protest against Ukraine war handed prison sentence in absentia
Recommendation
Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
Liverpool, West Ham remain perfect in Europa League, newcomer Brighton picks up first point
Queen and Adam Lambert kick off tour with pomp, vigor and the spirit of Freddie Mercury
Ex-USC gynecologist charged with sexually assaulting students dies before going to trial
Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
Kat Von D finds spiritual rebirth with baptism after giving up witchcraft practice: Watch
Animal Crossing Lego sets? Nintendo, Lego tease collab on social media. What we know.
New York pilot who pleads not guilty to stalking woman by plane is also accused of throwing tomatoes