Additional Coverage:
- Music legend slams LA festival after woman’s body allegedly left in the crowd following her death (foxnews.com)
Legendary musician Sheila E. has publicly criticized the organizers of the Carson Jazz Festival following the tragic death of a concertgoer whose body reportedly remained in the crowd until after her performance.
Sheila E. expressed her heartbreak over the passing of Shari Sanders, which occurred amid soaring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the Southern California event last weekend. On social media, the percussionist shared details about the distressing situation, emphasizing that such an incident had never occurred in her extensive career.
According to Sheila E., festival attendees had been waiting in line from early morning, with gates opening 30 minutes ahead of schedule. She described witnessing emergency personnel moving urgently through the crowd while her band awaited their set. The extreme heat appeared to be taking a toll on festivalgoers, possibly contributing to the tragedy.
She recounted that Shari Sanders was reportedly saving seats for her family when she was found unresponsive. Although bystanders alerted emergency responders, paramedics did not arrive until approximately 20 minutes later. Sheila E. confirmed she was informed that Sanders had died, a loss that deeply affected her and the band.
Highlighting concerns about festival preparedness, Sheila E. criticized the limited availability of hydration stations and the extended periods attendees were left exposed to the intense heat. She called on Carson City officials to improve conditions, noting that despite the festival’s long history, such circumstances were unacceptable.
Before going on stage, Sheila E. and her band took a moment to pray for Sanders. After dedicating her performance to the woman and her family, Sheila was later dismayed to learn that Sanders’ body had not been removed from the crowd until nearly half an hour after the band finished playing.
Sheila E. condemned the decision to continue the event under these conditions, stating that the festival should have been halted immediately. “I would have never gotten on stage if I had known her body was still there with her family,” she said, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the bereaved.
In response, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes issued a statement offering condolences and assuring the community that the city is supporting Sanders’ family during this difficult time. She urged residents to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
The incident has raised serious questions about event safety protocols, particularly in extreme weather, and has prompted calls for improved emergency response and better care for festival attendees in the future.