The music world fell silent this week as a night meant for joy and rhythm ended in heartbreak. The incident brought forth a heavy stillness, leaving Shakira, her team, and her fans united in grief. A crew member died following a stage collapse accident during preparation for her concert in Brazil, prompting an immediate halt to the production.
Shakira reacts after crew member is killed in Brazil stage incident
Prior to Shakira’s headlining concert at Copacabana Beach in Brazil, a construction worker died Sunday while assembling the event’s stage. The global pop sensation responded to the tragedy by pausing to honor her team and recognize the loss. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Shakira expressed deep sadness over the death of local worker Gabriel de Jesus Firmino. She offered her heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Event organizers shared an update in a Portuguese-language statement posted over the weekend on the Todo Mundo No Rio Instagram account. They confirmed that an accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, April 26. Based on a Google translation, the incident tragically took the life of a professional working on the show’s stage assembly.
“First responders provided initial aid at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient,” the statement read. “Regrettably, the professional passed away” at the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital in the area.
The organizers released an announcement following the tragedy. It stated that they were extending full support, care, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.
Furthermore, in a statement to PEOPLE, EW’s sister publication, the state fire brigade CBMERJ addressed the incident. It said a worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system. Before emergency teams arrived, other employees had already removed the victim from the equipment.
Additionally, witness Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos told the network that people suddenly ran as the structure collapsed. He soon realized a man was trapped underneath, and bystanders rushed to free him.
