It was intended to be a wonderful day, but a drunk driver took the life of a young guy. It’s tragic that a man attending Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” event in Houston was recently struck and murdered by a drunk driver.
Reports state that after the event, 20-year-old Jacob Lewis and his sister April Bancroft were en route home when their car broke down. To avoid a collision, Lewis stepped out of the car and attempted to push it to the side of the road. Sadly, Lewis was fatally struck by a car while pushing it and died there and then. Lewis was hit by Alan Bryant Hayes’ car after he lost control of it while intoxicated and fled the scene. Lewis’ injuries caused him to pass away instantly. Police in the area have detained Hayes.
Lewis’ passing has dealt his family a serious shock. A few hours prior to the tragedy, his sister Bancroft posted a video of them at the performance on social media, detailing their final moments together. She wrote,
“I cannot even describe the pain I feel at this moment for the loss of my brother. We loved you so much @taylorswift13. Thank you for making this our last memory together.” #JacobLewis
Bancroft said that she gave her brother concert tickets as a Christmas present because he had never seen Taylor Swift perform live before. Tragically, the catastrophe occurred right after they had finished viewing the concert.
I cannot even describe the pain I feel at this moment for the loss of my brother. We loved you so much @taylorswift13. Thank you for making this our last memory together #JacobLewis https://t.co/cRHT5T54YT
— April Bancroft (@apriltheswiftie) April 24, 2023
Lewis’s father wrote on Facebook after his passing that “Jacob Lewis will be remembered as a young man full of love and loyalty, devoted to his family and friends.” He went on to say that Lewis’ final actions—pushing his sister to safety on the dark street—represented who he was and what he stood for. Lewis’s life was only just getting started, and he had not yet fulfilled his goals. His premature and unexpected demise has shocked and grieved his family.
Following Lewis’ loss, Taylor Swift’s followers sent their condolences and helped his family by raising more than $100,000. As a tribute to Lewis, many fans gave $13, Taylor Swift’s lucky number.
💔| Jacob Lewis, a swiftie who attended last night's show, sadly passed away after being hit by a drunk driver on his way home.
— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) April 24, 2023
Donate to his GoFundMe: https://t.co/RKhLS56CD2 pic.twitter.com/5FV3xPcQ1B