Over the weekend, a Taylor Swift fan named Jacob Lewis was heading back home after attending her “Eras” Tour in Houston and he was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver.
At the time of his passing, Lewis was only 20 years old. Sending love, light, and strength to the loved ones of the victim during this hard time. Read on to know more about the whole incident.
A Taylor Swift fan gets killed by an alleged drunk driver in Houston hit-and-run crash
Lewis, a Swiftie (a term used by Taylor Swift fans to describe themselves) was driving back home from the venue of the concert at around 1 a.m. after watching Swift’s three-hour show when his car became stalled on the Southwest Freeway. So, he got out of his car and tried his best to push it onto the shoulder of the road.
When the tragic incident happened, Jacob’s sister April Bancroft was also with him. She stayed behind the wheel as her brother pushed the car. When Lewis was pushing the car, Alan Bryant Hayes who was drunk at that point, hit Jacob with his black Volkswagen Beetle.
Soon after the car crash, the 34-year-old fled the scene of the crime. He left his car there and escaped on foot. Jacob was pronounced dead at the scene. As per a report by Page Six, Alan Bryant was caught by the cops.
According to Houston Police, Hayes was eventually charged with third-offense felony driving while intoxicated and failure to stop and render aid.
Jacob Lewis loved video games, Pokémon and music
Despite his untimely death, Steve Lewis, the father of the victim stated that Jacob’s final moments were a representation of who he was. He had a love for video games, Pokémon, and of course, music.
During a Tuesday interview with USA Today, Jacob’s father Steve Lewis said, “His last act was to push his sister to safety on a dark street. He was a bright light… touched so many people. We’re all struggling with this loss.”
Lewis’ mom Karyn referred to him as “an amazing young man.” She told the publication, “Everyone says he gave the best hugs. He towered over everyone at 6 foot 5 inches, but never made anyone feel ‘small.’”
She went on to say, “He made sure to include everyone and was accepting of them for who they were. He came alive on stage. Performing and singing were everything to him. It gave him such joy.”
Not long ago, Lewis’ sister April took to her Twitter page to thank Taylor for giving her some wonderful last moments with her brother. She tweeted, “I cannot even describe the pain I feel at this moment for the loss of my brother. We loved you so much @taylorswift13. Thank you for making this our last memory together #JacobLewis”
I cannot even describe the pain I feel at this moment for the loss of my brother. We loved you so much @taylorswift13. Thank you for making this our last memory together #JacobLewis https://t.co/cRHT5T54YT
— April Bancroft (@apriltheswiftie) April 24, 2023
Swifties have donated to Jacob Lewis’ GoFundMe page
Hundreds of Taylor Swift fans have come forward to donate to Jacob’s GoFundMe page. Up until this moment, they have already raised more than $100,000 for the family. Many fans have been donating $13 as it is Taylor’s lucky number.
In addition to this, the fans have also left some meaningful lyrics from the Midnight Rain singer’s discography on the GoFundMe page of Lewis. One person commented, “You were bigger than the whole sky.”
Another one chimed in, “Long Live, Jacob. You will always be remembered.” Followed by a third person who penned, “You were more than just a short time” From one Swiftie to another 
.”
We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Jacob Lewis during this tragic time. May his soul rest in peace. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for the latest updates from the world of showbiz.
