GloRilla Says She’s ‘Heartbroken’ After Second Person Dies From Concert Stampede
A second person has succumbed to their injuries following a stampede at GloRilla’s concert in Rochester, New York, concert. The concert took place at the Main Street Armory theater over the weekend.
The Memphis native’s concert turned tragic after attendees rushed to the exit following unconfirmed shots being fired inside. 10 people were hurt including Rhondesia Belton, a 33-year-old woman who died from her injuries after being taken to the hospital. CBS News reports that the death toll has risen to two after a 35-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries late Monday (March 6). She was one of two victims listed in critical condition after the deadly concert. The seven others were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries according to the Rochester Police Department.
“I am devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show,” GloRilla tweeted late Monday. “My fans mean the world to me [sad face emoji] praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected.”
I am devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show. My fans mean the world to me 😢praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected 🙏🏽
— GloRilla 🦍 (@GloTheofficial) March 7, 2023
Rochester police responded to a call at the Main Street Armory at 11 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Rochester police lieutenant Nicholas Adams later told ABC News, “The injuries appear to be as a result of a large crowd pushing towards the exits following accounts of individuals hearing what they believed to be gunshots.”
Police Chief David M. Smith reiterated the message during a news briefing, per Rolling Stone. He said, “We do not have any evidence of gunshots being fired or of anyone being shot or stabbed at the scene.”
“What began last night as a night of live music and fun for the performer GloRilla ended in tragedy with one person dead and two more fighting for their lives,” Smith said.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans called the fatal stampede “totally unacceptable” and is determined to find out how this tragedy happened.
“We are going to hold people accountable for what happened last night, period,” Evans said per HipHopDX. “I intend to get to the bottom of this.”
He added: “If you go to a concert, you do not expect to be trampled. Your loved ones expect you to be able to come home and talk about the experience that you had at that great concert.”
Fellow Memphis rapper Finesse2Tymes was also on the bill with GloRilla Sunday night. The Main Street Armory’s next concert featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on March 11 has reportedly been canceled.