Current:Home > StocksTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -GrowthProspect
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
View
Date:2025-04-17 15:01:59
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! (56)
Related
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Prosecutors build their case at bribery trial of Sen. Bob Menendez with emails and texts
- Book Review: So you think the culture wars are new? Shakespeare expert James Shapiro begs to differ
- 2 new giant pandas are returning to Washington’s National Zoo from China by the end of the year
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Cara Delevingne and Jeremy Pope Strip Down for Calvin Klein’s Steamy New Pride Campaign Video
- Storm-weary Texas battered again as powerful storm, strong winds kill 1, cause widespread damage
- Cicada map 2024: See where to find Broods XIII and XIX; latest info on emergence
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- What is matcha? What to know about the green drink taking over coffeeshops.
Ranking
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Richard Dreyfuss accused of going on 'offensive' rant during 'Jaws' screening: 'Disgusting'
- General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor’s Mom Speaks Out After His Death in Fatal Shooting
- Horoscopes Today, May 26, 2024
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Ohio lawmakers holding special session to ensure President Biden is on 2024 ballot
- Louisiana police searching for 2 escaped prisoners after 4 slipped through fence
- Ashley White died patrolling alongside Special Forces in Afghanistan. The U.S. Army veteran was a pioneer for women soldiers.
Recommendation
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
Greenland's soccer association applies for membership in Concacaf
A working group that emerged from a tragedy sets out to reform child welfare services
Hilarie Burton Shares Rare Glimpse Into Family Life With Jeffrey Dean Morgan for 15-Year Milestone
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
No charges for officer in death of Michigan teen struck by police car during chase
As federal parent PLUS loan interest rate soars, why it may be time to go private
Two ex-FBI officials who traded anti-Trump texts close to settlement over alleged privacy violations