Compression asphyxia cause of death for Astroworld victims: officials

Compression asphyxia was determined to be the cause of death for Astroworld victims, officials announced on Thursday.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences’ medical examiners found following additional test results that the 10 victims from the music festival died of compression asphyxia after a crowd surge during rapper Travis Scott’s set on Nov. 5, The Associated Press reported.

The family of the youngest victim, 9-year-old Ezra Blount, rejected Scott’s offer to pay for the funeral, with the family saying Scott has some responsibility for the death.

“Your client’s offer is declined,” Bob Hilliard, the attorney for the Blounts, told Scott’s lawyer. “I have no doubt Mr. Scott feels remorse. His journey ahead will be painful. He must face and hopefully see that he bears some of the responsibility for this tragedy.”

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against Scott and Astroworld for allegedly not ensuring safe conditions. 

Scott is looking to be dismissed from 11 lawsuits, arguing he is not “legally liable” for the deaths that occurred.