Shakira Mourns Death of Crew Member Who Killed in Tragic Stage Accident for Brazil Concert

A crew member helping to assemble the stage for Lebanese-Colombian superstar Shakira’s upcoming concert in Brazil has died following a structural accident, concert organizers announced. 

The incident occurred Sunday, April 26, on Copacabana Beach, where the musician will perform next Saturday, May 2.

In a statement on Monday, Shakira said she was “deeply saddened for the family, friends and colleagues of Gabriel de Jesus Firmino, a local worker who lost his life yesterday at the site.” 

The singer added, “My heart goes out to his family, and loved ones.”

Organizers shared a separate statement on social media, which has been translated from Portuguese. “The event organizers confirm that an accident this Sunday afternoon (April 26th) tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show," said organizers. "First responders provided initial care at the scene, and the Fire Department was immediately called to transport the patient,".

The statement continued, “Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital. At this time, we are extending our full support, care, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”

Additionally, the state fire brigade told People the male “worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs in a lifting system.”

The person was “removed from the equipment by other employees present … before the arrival of emergency teams.”

The statement confirmed, “Military personnel from the ambulance service of the 3rd Maritime Group (GMAR-Copacabana) immediately began pre-hospital care on the victim, who was then transported to the Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital. Despite the efforts of the rescue teams, death was confirmed.”

According to witness Antonio Marcos Ferreira dos Santos, the victim was “trapped underneath” a structure that fell down “on the ground.”

The beachgoer (via France24) noted that “out of nowhere [he] saw people running” as individuals worked to “pull out” the man.

Additional details shared via Reuters claimed the worker’s lower limbs were crushed in the collapse.

The Colombian star was announced as the headliner for this year’s Todo Mundo no Rio event in February. 

The free concert series, which has previously presented performances from Lady Gaga and Madonna, is expected to draw millions as a leading attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

Earlier this year, a record-breaking 400,000 people attended the free concert Shakira hosted at the Zócalo in Mexico City. 

The musician released her most recent album, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," in 2024.