Ana Benevides cause of death: Forensic report shows Taylor Swift concert attendee in Rio died from heat exhaustion

By Tamkeenat Rose
Updated On : 04:05 PST, Dec 28, 2023

Ana Benevides Machado's tragic death at a Rio de Janeiro concert due to heat exhaustion has sparked debate (Getty Images, Britnie Trescastro/Facebook)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The tragic death of Ana Clara Benevides Machado, a devoted Taylor Swift fan, at a concert in Rio de Janeiro has been attributed to heat exhaustion, as per a leaked forensics report.

The incident occurred on November 17 amidst scorching temperatures during a record-breaking heatwave.

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Forensics report reveals cause of Ana Benevides' death

The forensics report disclosed that Machado suffered from extreme ambient heat exposure, a condition known to develop over eight to 18 hours, ultimately leading to cardiorespiratory arrest. CNN Brasil obtained the report; however, its authenticity remains unverified independently by CNN.

Reportedly, Machado had not consumed alcohol or drugs and had no preexisting medical conditions.

Following her tragic demise, Time 4 Fun, the event organizers, expressed condolences and stated that she received onsite medical attention before being rushed to the hospital, where she died an hour later.

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While Rio de Janeiro state police typically withhold medical details, a police spokesperson informed CNN that event organizers would face inquiries as the investigation progresses.

Sequence of events that led to tragedy

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Benevides suffered a cardiac arrest on November 17. Just before the beginning of the concert, the 23-year-old fainted and was resuscitated at the stadium for about 40 minutes.

She suffered a second cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital, soon after which she was pronounced dead.

The father of the psychology student said, "I lost my only daughter, a happy and intelligent girl. She was about to graduate in psychology next April, saving money. I have no words to express my pain. She left home to fulfill a dream and came back dead.”

Taylor Swift's statement on Ana Clara Benevides' death

Addressing her fan's demise, Swift released a statement on her Instagram Story, saying, "I can’t believe I’m writing these words but it is with a shattered heart that I say we lost a fan earlier tonight before my show. I can’t even tell you how devastated I am by this.”

Concertgoers voiced their concerns over the potentially dangerous weather conditions amid the heat wave in Brazil after the tragic death of Benevides.

Within 24 hours, Swift made the call to postpone the next day's show, sharing on her Instagram Story, "I’m writing this from my dressing room in the stadium."

"The decision has been made to postpone tonight’s show due to the extreme temperatures in Rio. The safety and well-being of my fans, fellow performers and crew always has to come first,” she added.

Social media reactions after tragic incident

Numerous Facebook users voiced contrasting views in response to Ana Benevides Machado's unfortunate death at the Taylor Swift concert.

One user wrote, "Can you not leave her alone?! We all know that she is the greatest artist of our generation, a visionary. Probably better than the Beatles, Rolling Stones,Bob Marley, Michael Jackson , Prince, Elvis, Kanye West, little Richard, Madonna ,Nirvana and Bob Dylan combined. We are lucky to be alive to witness her magnificent art! Taylor Swift forever is greatest."

Another commented, "Whomever's Arena that was should be held accountable. They were there outside knew the temperature and yet they allowed that concert to go on."

One added, "I truly feel like people need to think more about others. They knew what temperature it was. I don’t think it’s anyone’s fault but I think it could’ve been handled different. Let’s not try to do things different bc someone dies. Think before someone dies."

"I’m sorry, but how and why is a criminal investigation open due to weather? Don’t we all make our own decisions to go out in specific weather? I am so sorry for what happened, but Taylor Swift or not, I don’t understand how this could be criminal in anyway," commented someone else.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.