Ezra Blount, the 9-year-old boy who was placed in a medically induced coma after being injured at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival in Houston, died Sunday, Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner confirmed in a tweet. He is the 10th, and youngest, person to die from injuries related to the concert.
“I am saddened to learn of Ezra’s death this evening,” Turner wrote. “Our city tonight prays for his mom, dad, grandparents, other family members and classmates at this time. They will need all of our support in the months and years to come. May God give them strength. RIP Ezra. st #AstroWorld.”
Following his hospitalization, Blount was taken to a Houston hospital and placed in an induced coma on Nov. 9, Blount’s grandfather Bernon Blount said, as the boy’s heart, lungs and brain were injured in the melee. Blount and his father, Treston Blount, “came from out of town” to attend the concert and spend some quality time together, Bernon said.
“They were expecting to come and have a good time with each other, bond as father and son, and it turned into a tragic event because of the negligence of others,” Bernon told the Associated Press.
Blount and his father became separated as the crowd became dangerously packed, according to family members. Bernon said the physical toll the packed crowd took on Treston also played a role.
“My son, once he had passed out from the pressure being applied to him during the concert, he passed out and Ezra fell into the crowd,” Bernon said. “When my son awakened, Ezra wasn’t there.”
Bernon said he is angry about what took place at the festival and the way it’s “altered … the legacy of (his) family.”
“We just want there to be accountability and transparency,” Bernon said. “The safety and security were not provided to them.” (USAToday)