A forensics report obtained by The Associated Press has revealed that 23-year-old Ana Clara Benevides died of heat exhaustion during a Taylor Swift concert in Rio de Janeiro. The incident occurred on November 17, during Swift's performance of "Cruel Summer" at the Nilton Santos Stadium. Temperatures that day soared to nearly 100ºF, leading to a tragic outcome for Benevides.

According to eyewitness accounts, fans had lined up for hours before the show, with many expressing frustration over the alleged lack of water supplies provided by the organizers for the more than 60,000 attendees. Reports suggest that fans were not allowed to bring their own water into the stadium, leading to concerns about hydration in the scorching heat.

The report from Rio's Forensic Medical Institute states that Benevides' heat exposure led to a cardiorespiratory arrest. It further mentions that she did not have any preexisting conditions or substance abuse issues that could have contributed to her untimely demise. The forensics expert analyzing her body noted the presence of "serious compromise of her lungs and sudden death" due to the extreme heat.

While organizers T4F claimed to have followed best practices and complied with authorities' demands, several fans have expressed disbelief. T4F issued a statement denying allegations of inadequate water distribution and the prohibition of fans bringing their own water. They emphasized that Benevides received prompt medical attention from a rescue team and was transported to the hospital in an intensive-care unit ambulance.

The tragic incident has shocked Brazil, particularly as Benevides had undertaken her first flight to attend the concert and see her favorite singer. Taylor Swift herself expressed her deep sorrow in an Instagram statement, mentioning that Benevides' passing had left her with a "shattered heart."

José Weiny Machado, Benevides' father, told news website G1 that he had never doubted the cause of his daughter's death being the extreme heat. Reports of this nature are unusual for T4F, who have been in the concert business for four decades and had not previously experienced a tragedy of this nature due to excessive heat.

As investigations continue, questions about the adequacy of safety measures and the provision of sufficient resources to ensure the well-being of concertgoers linger. The Brazilian public hopes that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of music fans attending large-scale events.