A 32-year-old man is said to have died after falling during The Weeknd’s performance in Philadelphia on Thursday (July 14). Hugo Sanchez was sitting on an escalator rail at Lincoln Financial Field when he lost his balance and fell about 40 feet, according to local CBS affiliate. He was rushed to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Police are calling it an “unfortunate accident,” with no evidence of foul play. Sanchez collapsed shortly after 11 p.m. local time, and it’s unclear why he was sitting on the railing in the first place. His family has declined to make a statement but has stated that funeral arrangements are being made.
The show in Philadelphia was the first stop on, The Weeknd ‘After Hours Til Dawn Tour‘. It began on a high note, with the Toronto megastar flying out a 6-year-old fan named Phoenix Prince, who had been devastated by the cancellation of a previous show. The Weeknd was scheduled to perform in his hometown, but the show was canceled due to a power outage at Rogers Centre.
A Photo of the super fan went viral on social media:
A photo of Prince taken outside the venue quickly went viral on social media, catching The Weeknd’s attention. “We had a breakdown moment,” Prince’s father, Blake, told CBC. “He became enraged when the show was canceled, and someone took a photograph of him.”
The Weeknd and his crew prepared a red carpet experience for Prince and his father. In addition to receiving full VIP treatment, they were able to meet The Weeknd, who graciously autographed Prince’s red suit jacket.
“I couldn’t put this last week into words even if I tried,” Prince’s father wrote on Instagram. “We will be eternally grateful for this moment in time. We are grateful to Abel and his lovely crew for their friendship, hospitality, and generosity. As well as for spending the day with Phoenix and me today. He will remember this experience for the rest of his life. Thank you a thousand times over. XO.”
Having managed hundreds of artists online, formed strategic partnerships with independent labels, and founded his own Music Collective, Midnight District, Marcus has naturally had his ears tuned to the music industry and will undoubtedly break more trending topics here at Hip Hop Today.