Current:Home > StocksTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -WealthMindset
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-19 12:41:01
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! (496)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- The Rolling Stones release new gospel-inspired song with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder: Listen
- 'That song grates on me': 'Flora and Son' director has no patience for 'bad music'
- Black musician says he was falsely accused of trafficking his own children aboard American Airlines flight
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- StandBy mode turns your iPhone into a customizable display clock with iOS 17
- Things to know about the Klamath River dam removal project, the largest in US history
- 'Raise your wands:' Social media flooded with tributes to Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Florida teen who was struck by lightning while hunting with her dad has died
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Phillies star Bryce Harper tosses helmet in stands after being ejected by Angel Hernandez
- Trump looks to set up a California primary win with a speech to Republican activists
- Do you know these 10 warning signs of diabetes? A doctor explains what to watch for.
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Navy issues written reprimands for fuel spill that sickened 6,000 people at Pearl Harbor base
- Lebanese Armenians scuffle with riot police during protest outside Azerbaijan Embassy
- 'It's worth it': Baltimore Orioles complete epic turnaround, capture AL East with 100th win
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Canelo Álvarez can 'control his hand 100%' ahead of Jermell Charlo battle of undisputeds
Summer House's Paige DeSorbo Weighs in on Carl Radke and Lindsay Hubbard's Shocking Break Up
Toby Keith's Tear-Jerking Speech Ain't Worth Missing at the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards
San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
The far right has been feuding with McCarthy for weeks. Here’s how it’s spiraling into a shutdown.
The Ryder Cup is finally here. US skipper Zach Johnson says it’s time to let the thoroughbreds loose
The Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2023: Lookfantastic, Charlotte Tilbury, Revolve & More