Astroworld death toll rises to 10 after 9-year-old dies from injuries

A 9-year-old boy who was put in a medically-induced coma following the Astroworld festival crowd surge died Sunday, bringing the death toll to 10, according to USA Today.

The young boy, named Ezra Blount, or EB, attended the concert with his dad and was injured after falling from his father’s shoulders during the melee. He was rushed to Texas Children’s Hospital, where he was placed in a coma in an attempt to help his brain overcome the trauma.

Blount was placed on life support for nine days following the incident, during which he suffered major organ damage and brain swelling. 

Houston mayor Sylvester Turner confirmed Blount’s death Sunday night. “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,” Turner wrote.

I am saddened to learn of Ezra’s death this evening. 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 pic.twitter.com/Ankq7FMa3l

— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) November 15, 2021

Blount’s passing comes just days after the death of Bharti Shahani, a 22-year-old Texas A&M University student who was declared brain dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

“She was a sister, a daughter, a high-achieving college student about to graduate from Texas A&M University with high, high grades,” James Lassiter, a lawyer for Shahani’s family, said during a news conference on Thursday. 

In the wake of the tragedy, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the formation of a concert safety task force to “ensure that the tragedy that occurred at the Astroworld Festival never happens again in the Lone Star State.”

The families of Shahani and Blount have set up GoFundMe pages to help cover their medical costs.