Astroworld’s youngest casualty, 9-year-old Ezra Blount, died after being in a medically-induced coma for nearly a week. His family said that Ezra was trampled during the initial crowd surge at the Travis Scott event. His father, Treston Blount, said that Travis Scott was one of his son’s favorite artists. “He was stoked, he was ready to go.”
Blount also told reporters during an ABC interview that his son had attended previous Astroworld festivals. However, Scott’s latest concert was nothing like before. “It was like a horror movie,” Blount said.
When the show began, the crowd of thousands surged forward to greet the star and get a front-row view. Treston told reporters that he was far in the back, with Ezra on his shoulders – a place he believed was safe.
Treston soon found out that the surge extended even back to where he was, and he had trouble breathing. He fell unconscious and collapsed, and Ezra fell off his shoulders. Treston told ABC, “It was a moment where I didn’t know what to do.”
Bystanders reported seeing Ezra trampled by the crowd. According to the family’s attorney, Ezra sustained internal organ and brain damage from the incident. After being on life support for a week, Ezra eventually passed from his injuries.
The death toll from Houston’s Astroworld Festival is now at 10, with many victims being under 30 years old. Ben Crump, the attorney for Ezra and his family, is filing lawsuits against Scott and festival organizers. Crump, who represents hundreds of victims in his civil lawsuit, gave a statement on Sunday after Ezra’s passing.
“This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert – what should have been a joyful celebration. Ezra’s death is absolutely heartbreaking,” said Crump. “We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight, we stand in solidarity with the family in grief and in prayer.”