Current:Home > StocksTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -FundGuru
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-25 02:33:31
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! (9)
Related
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Executives of telehealth company accused of fraud that gave easy access to addictive Adderall drug
- What to know about a series of storms that has swamped South Florida with flash floods
- Climate Protesters Take to the Field at the Congressional Baseball Game
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- House committee approves bill that would prevent college athletes from being employees
- Washington state’s Makah tribe clears major hurdle toward resuming traditional whale hunts
- Human bird flu infection confirmed in India amid concern over avian flu outbreaks in U.S. farm animals
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Woman wins 2 lottery prizes in months, takes home $300,000
Ranking
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Say his name: How Joe Hendry became the biggest viral star in wrestling
- Spoilers! Does this big 'Bridgerton' twist signal queer romance to come?
- Garcia’s game-ending hit off Holmes gives Royals 4-3 win over Yankees
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Brittany Mahomes Shares How Chiefs Kingdom Hits Different With Taylor Swift
- Sen. John Fetterman was at fault in car accident and seen going ‘high rate of speed,’ police say
- Dozens of hikers became ill during trips to waterfalls near the Grand Canyon
Recommendation
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Russia says U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to stand trial on espionage charges
Massachusetts on verge of becoming second-to-last state to outlaw ‘revenge porn’
Report: Differences between gay and straight spouses disappear after legalization of gay marriage
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Flavor Flav makes good on promise to save Red Lobster, announces Crabfest is back
Summer House's Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula Shut Down Breakup Rumors in the Sweetest Way
Former Illinois men's basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. found not guilty in rape trial