A nine-year-old boy has died from injuries he sustained at the Travis Scott Astroworld festival.
Ezra Blount had been in a medically induced coma in an attempt to overcome brain, liver and kidney trauma, according to a statement from family attorney Ben Crump.
He said: “The Blount family tonight is grieving the ultimate, incomprehensible loss of their precious young son. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, a joyful celebration.”
“Ezra’s death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer.”
Bernon Blount previously told CNN his grandson attended the festival in Houston, Texas to see “his favorite artist”, and attended the concert with his father Treston.
He said: “When my son went to the concert, he had my grandson on his shoulder. All the people pushed in and he could not breathe so he ended up passing out because of all the pressure that was being applied to his body. And when he passed out, Ezra fell off his shoulder and fell into the crowd.”
The boy’s family, who are suing Travis Scott and other concert organizers for negligence, said in the lawsuit that the boy was “kicked, stepped on, and trampled, and nearly crushed to death” during the surge.
Nine other fans aged between 14 and 27 were killed in the crowd crush, making Ezra the youngest victim.
Travis and the event’s organisers are facing multiple lawsuits over the incident for negligence, gross negligence, and damages for injuries.
A day after the tragic event, the rapper paid tribute to those who lost their lives at his concert in a statement shared on Twitter.
He wrote: “I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival.”
“Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life. I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support. Love You All.”
— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) November 6, 2021
The head of Houston Police claimed he “expressed concerns” to Travis and his security team before the festival took place.
In a statement released last week, police chief Troy Finner said: “I met with Travis Scott and his head of security for a few moments last Friday prior to the main event.”
“I expressed my concerns regarding public safety and that in my 31 years of law enforcement experience I have never seen a time with more challenges facing citizens of all ages, to include a global pandemic and social tension throughout the nation.”
“I asked Travis Scott and his team to work with Houston Police Department for all events over the weekend and to be mindful of his team’s social media messaging on any unscheduled events.”
“The meeting was brief and respectful, and a chance for me to share my public safety concerns as Chief of Police.”
“As I have previously stated, our criminal investigation continues. We are asking for everyone to be considerate of the grieving families during this incredibly difficult time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer,” he added.
