#15 - Entertainment or Pop Culture

The Victims of the Astroworld Disaster

News of Travis Scotts' devastating concert has been all over social media and news sites since the event occurred on November 5. The show was chaos, with thousands of fans trampling each other and not allowing police or medical professionals to help. The concert continued for forty minutes after it was declared a 'mass casualty event' by Houston police. There were eight people killed and hundreds injured amid the chaos. 


In regards to the event, most people are concerned with how Travis Scott handled the disaster. With fans screaming to 'stop the concert,' Travis continued performing. Many speculate that he was unaware of what was happening, but others say this is not an excuse. For days, posts have been made on social media comparing other celebrities' reactions to safety at their concerts. 

@billiejoearmstrongsgf Reply to @deathcorefather i love twenty one pilots as well for this. we need more artists like this. #twentyonepilots #astroworld #music #fyp ♬ original sound - natalie

Although having these conversations concerning the concert is in order, I feel it necessary to share more on the victims and what their loved ones have said. 

The youngest victim was fourteen-year-old John Hilgert. According to the Houston Chronicle, Hilgert texted a friend to make sure they arrived early enough to get a good view of Travis' performance. His mother, Tracy Faulkner, was quoted to say, "he was the sweetest and smartest young man." Memorial High School posted their concerns by mourning his death on social media; they also stated that counselors would be available for students this week. 

Another young victim was sixteen-year-old Brianna Rodriguez. Rodriguez was also a local high school student. Her family set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her funeral. As of early Tuesday morning, more than double the target price was made, with a total of $66,455 raised. Her school posted on Twitter regarding the tragedy: 

Twenty-year-old Jacob Jurinek also lost his life at the concert. He was a student at Southern Illinois University. Jurinek traveled with a friend, twenty-one-year-old Franco Patiño - another victim - to celebrate his twenty-first birthday at the Astroworld festival. Jurinek's family stated: 

"Jake was beloved by his family and by his seemingly countless number of friends for his contagious enthusiasm, his boundless energy and his unwavering positive attitude. He was an avid fan of music, an artist, a son, a best friend to many, a loving and beloved cousin, nephew and grandson."

Patiño was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Dayton in Ohio. His brother, Julio Patiño, told various media outlets that Franco dreamed of creating an exoskeleton for their mother, who suffers from inclusion body myosis. Julio told the New York Times, "he was just that type of person; he was always there for people he cared about. He had a big heart." 

Twenty-one-year-old Axel Acosta traveled alone to attend the concert. He was a student at Western Washington University, where he studied computer science. Because he traveled alone, Acosta's father became worried after hearing of the disaster. He called Houston hospitals and police after his son did not answer the phone. Initially, he was told his son was not among the victims; however, a photo of Axel circulated to identify him. Acosta's family is now trying to sue Travis Scott and Astroworld's organizers. Edgar Acosta, Axel's father, said, "We are trying to make things change in these types of events because today it's me, but this could be you."

Rudy Peña was a twenty-three-year-old medical assistant studying criminal justice at a college in Laredo, Texas. His sister Jennifer told Rolling Stone, "He was there for everybody; he loved to be close to his friends and family. He helped a lot. He was always smiling." His brother-in-law, Sergio Gonzalez, told people magazine that "there are more questions in the air than answers." Gonzalez asks, "how did this happen? We literally don't know how he died. What were the circumstances?" 

Twenty-three-year-old Madison Dubiski attended Astroworld with her brother Ty; however, she and her brother were separated during the crowd rush. Dubiski worked at an advertising agency in Houston. Lauren Vogler, a former classmate, told the Houston Chronicle, "she was super bright, uplifting, and just an all-around sweet girl. She was definitely the life of the party and loved by so many people."

Twenty-seven-year-old Danish Baig was only married one month before losing his life at the Astroworld concert. Baig was a district manager for AT&T in the Dallas area. According to his brother Basil, Baig died trying to save his wife from being trampled by the crowd. According to Basil: 

"Last night he showed his courageous act to save my sister-in-law from those horrendous things that were being done. I have lost of words and in true trauma from this event. I was there and I was unable to save my brother."

Basil also claimed that Travis Scott was provoking the crowd. Basil wrote, "People were hitting, pushing and shoving and did not care for anyone's life." 

Baig's wife also made a post regarding her husband's death: 


Many lessons can be learned from the Astroworld disaster. Regardless of opinion, there are families that have lost loved ones, some with no detail as to how. Sharing the names of these victims and learning of their accomplishments will keep their memory alive and spread awareness of the event. Hopefully, the conversations sparked due to the event will prevent future festivals and concerts from having the same outcome. 

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