Taylor Swift 'devastated' as fan dies after falling ill ahead of show

Taylor Swift is 'overwhelmed by grief' after learning about the death of one of her fans prior to her show in Brazil.

The record-breaking singer is currently on the South American leg of her sold-out Eras Tour, as she performed in Rio de Janeiro on Friday evening (17 November).

On the night, the 33-year-old asked staff to give water to fans after local temperatures reached up to 38C.

"So whoever is in charge of giving them that, just make sure that happens. Can I get a signal that you know where they are?"

"I can't even tell you how devastated I am by this.

"There's very little information I have, other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young.

"I'm not going to be able to speak about this from stage because I feel overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it.

"I want to say now I feel this loss deeply and my broken heart goes out to her family and friends.

"This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring this tour to Brazil."

According to Brazilian newspaper Fohla De Sao Paolo, the fan fainted at the stadium and later died.

The outlet claims that the cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest.

A day before the show, on Thursday (16 November), fans witnessed Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which was illuminated with a welcome to Brazil message for Taylor.

The pop star was greeted by the world-famous Christ statue, sporting a projected image of a Swift-inspired T-shirt.

On social media, Swifties asked Rio mayor Eduardo Paes to project on to the statue a likeness of the 'Junior Jewels' shirt from Swift’s 'You Belong With Me' music video.

Mr Paes said he would take the matter to the Rev Omar Raposo, the rector of the sanctuary.

“From today onwards, I ask all fan clubs to direct their requests about the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer to our beloved Archdiocese. Friend Father Omar, the ball is in your court!”