Current:Home > reviewsTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -AssetLink
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-20 23:10:45
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! (33)
Related
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Brokeback Mountain Coming to London Stage With Stars Lucas Hedges and Mike Faist
- The explosion at Northeastern University may have been staged, officials say
- Escaping Sudan brings fear and joy for a young American evacuee as she leaves loved ones behind
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Savannah Chrisley Reveals She's Dating Again 2 Years After Calling Off Nic Kerdiles Engagement
- Sudan crisis drives growing exodus as warring generals said to agree in principle to 7-day truce
- The Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen That Sold Out Many Times Is 50% Off Today Only
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Fire Up the Grill, a Good Burger Sequel With Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Is Actually Happening
Ranking
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Ashley Graham Reveals Husband Justin Ervin Got a Vasectomy After Twins' Birth
- Tyga Buys Massive $80,000 Gift for Avril Lavigne Amid Budding Romance
- El Chapo sons deny U.S. fentanyl indictment accusations, claim they are scapegoats
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Netflix will roll out a cheaper plan with ads for $6.99 per month in November
- Lean Out: Employees Are Accepting Lower Pay In Order To Work Remotely
- Alex Jones' defamation trials show the limits of deplatforming for a select few
Recommendation
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Royals from around the world gathered for King Charles III's coronation. Here's who attended.
Memphis police say a man who livestreamed shootings that killed 4 has been arrested
Human remains found inside two crocodiles believed to be missing fisherman
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Riverdale Final Season Sneak Peek: Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart and the Gang Are Stuck in the 1950s
Escaping Sudan brings fear and joy for a young American evacuee as she leaves loved ones behind
Facebook's parent company reports a drop in revenue for the first time ever