Current:Home > reviewsTaylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Taylor Swift Fan Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver After Leaving Eras Tour Concert in Houston
Will Sage Astor View
Date:2025-03-11 07:03:31
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! (547)
Related
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair
- Beyoncé will perform halftime during NFL Christmas Day Game: Here's what to know
- This house from 'Home Alone' is for sale. No, not that one.
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- New Jersey targets plastic packaging that fills landfills and pollutes
- North Carolina announces 5
- Kylie Kelce's podcast 'Not Gonna Lie' tops Apple, Spotify less than a week after release
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Hate crime charges dropped against 12 college students arrested in Maryland assault
Ranking
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- She grew up in an Arizona church community. Now, she claims it was actually a religious cult.
- Most reports ordered by California’s Legislature this year are shown as missing
- Manager of pet grooming salon charged over death of corgi that fell off table
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Amazon's Thank My Driver feature returns: How to give a free $5 tip after delivery
- 'Maria' review: Angelina Jolie sings but Maria Callas biopic doesn't soar
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Recommendation
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Kylie Kelce's podcast 'Not Gonna Lie' tops Apple, Spotify less than a week after release
'The Later Daters': Cast, how to stream new Michelle Obama
'Mary': How to stream, what biblical experts think about Netflix's new coming
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
'Mary': How to stream, what biblical experts think about Netflix's new coming
Hate crime charges dropped against 12 college students arrested in Maryland assault
Drew Barrymore Addresses Criticism Over Her Touchiness With Talk Show Guests