Brazil experienced an extreme heat wave November 17-19. The temperature of 112.6 Fahrenheit broke the country’s previous heat record from 2005, of 112.4 Fahrenheit. Heat eased the following week, but still remained extreme. 

Pop star Taylor Swift happened to be in the country on her Eras Tour when the heat struck. Fans were waiting in the insane heat for hours before and during the concert. The heat was so terrible that 23-year-old fan Ana Clara Benevides Machado felt unwell from the temperatures and sought to be taken to the hospital, but sadly died one hour later. Swift did not know about this during her show that night, but was showing signs of heat exhaustion herself. She even was scanning the crowd to make sure everyone was all right, and threw bottles of water to a few fans. 

Swift took to Instagram with a handwritten note that read, “I can’t believe I am 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. There’s very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young. I’m not going to be able to speak about this from the stage because I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it. I want to say now I feel this loss deeply and my heart goes out to her family and friends. This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring this tour to Brazil.” 

In another post she wrote, “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.” It is devastating that heat can take people out like this. It is important for everyone to take care of themselves the best you can when they are faced with these temperatures. People must get out of the sun if possible, drink plenty of water, rest, and seek help if feeling any kind of illness.