Current:Home > reviewsTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -SummitInvest
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-27 19:51:31
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! (4429)
Related
- Trump's 'stop
- Ryan Crouser achieves historic Olympic three-peat in shot put
- Team USA men's beach volleyball players part ways with coach mid-Games
- Regan Smith thrilled with another silver medal, but will 'keep fighting like hell' for gold
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Tyreek Hill of Miami Dolphins named No. 1 in 'Top 100 Players of 2024' countdown
- Navy football's Chreign LaFond learns his sister, Thea, won 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal: Watch
- How US women turned their fortunes in Olympic 3x3 basketball: 'Effing wanting it more'
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- There's good reason to root for the South Koreans to medal in Olympic men's golf
Ranking
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Chase Budinger, Miles Evans win lucky loser volleyball match. Next up: Reigning Olympic champs
- American Grant Fisher surprises in Olympic men's 10,000 meters, taking bronze
- How Team USA's Daniela Moroz can put a bow on her parents' American dream
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Third set of remains found with gunshot wound in search for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre graves
- Regan Smith thrilled with another silver medal, but will 'keep fighting like hell' for gold
- Olympic medal count: Tallying up gold, silver, bronze for each country in Paris
Recommendation
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
Mariah Carey is taking her Christmas music on tour again! See star's 2024 dates
Would your cat survive the 'Quiet Place'? Felines hilariously fail viral challenge
TikTok sued by Justice Department over alleged child privacy violations impacting millions
What to watch: O Jolie night
USWNT vs. Japan highlights: Trinity Rodman lifts USA in extra time of Olympics quarters
Tyreek Hill of Miami Dolphins named No. 1 in 'Top 100 Players of 2024' countdown
Thistle & Nightshade bookstore pushes 'the boundaries of traditional representation'