‘I’m absolutely devastated’: Travis Scott, Kylie Jenner respond to Astroworld tragedy

HOUSTON – As Houstonians are waking up, news of Friday night’s tragic events at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival has become the hot topic Saturday morning.

Officials such as Mayor Sylvester Turner and Gov. Greg Abbott have sent out statements on the tragedy.

Rapper Travis Scott released a statement on Twitter, saying he is “absolutely devastated” by the events Friday night.

“I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival. Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life. I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department and NRG Park for their immediate response and support.”

Later Saturday, Travis Scott spoke about the event in his Instagram stories. View it here or watch it below.

“I just want to send out prayers to the ones that was lost last night. We’re actually working right now to identify the families so we can help assist them through this tough time. You know, my fans really mean the world to me and I always just really want to leave them with a positive experience. And anytime I can make out anything that’s going on, I’d stop the show and help them get the help they need, you know? I just could never imagine the severity of the situation. We’ve been working closely with everyone to just try to get to the bottom of this: the City of Houston, HPD, Fire Department, you know, everyone to help us figure this out. So if you have any information, please just contact the local authorities. Everybody continue to just keep your prayers. I mean, I’m honestly just devastated and I could never imagine anything like this just happening. I’m going to do everything I can to keep you guys updated, to keep you guys informed of what’s going on. Love you all.”

Kylie Jenner, Travis Scott’s girlfriend, released a statement on her Instagram stories late Saturday night:

“Travis and I are broken and devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives, were injured or affected in anyway by [Friday night’s] events. And also for Travis who I know cares deeply for his fans and the Houston community. I want to make clear we weren’t aware of any fatalities until the news came out after the show and in no world would have continued filming or performing. I am sending my deepest condolences to all the families during this difficult time and will be praying for the healing of everyone who has been impacted.”

Astroworld Festival officials have posted a statement on their Instagram account:

“Our hearts are with the Astroworld Festival family tonight – especially those we lost and their loved ones. We are focused on supporting local officials however we can. With that in mind, the festival will no longer be held on Saturday. As authorities mentioned in their press conference earlier, they are looking into the series of cardiac arrests that took place. If you have any relevant information on this, please reach out to @HoustonPolice. Thank you to our partners at the Houston Police Department, Fire Department, and NRG Park for their response and support.”

Scoremore, who promoted Astroworld Festival, released the following statement on Monday:

We wanted to provide an update on the steps that Scoremore, Live Nation and the Astroworld Festival team have been taking. Throughout the weekend, we have been working to provide local authorities with everything we need from us in order to complete their investigation and get everyone the answers they are looking for.

Our staff has met with local authorities to provide information and we have also provided them with all footage from our CCTV cameras. Load out of the site and equipment is currently paused to give investigators the time they requested to walk and document the grounds. Full refunds are being offered for those who purchase tickets.

And most importantly, we are working on ways to support attendees, the families of victims, and staff, from providing mental health counseling, to setting up a health fund to help with costs for medical expenses.

Our entire team is mourning alongside our community.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke out on the incident from Friday night:

“What happened at Astroworld Festival was a tragedy. An estimated 50,000 people attended the event Friday night, expecting to enjoy a music concert with friends and return home safely. I extend my condolences to the families of the eight people who died and the approximately 17 people who were injured at the event. Many of them suffered cardiac arrest.

“Immediately following the tragedy, the city began to assist with resources and necessary support. A reunification center is setup at 8686 Kirby Dr. for families to reconnect with loved ones who attend the event. Families searching for loved ones may also call 3-1-1.

“This was a major event that happened in the city and on Harris County property. Today, law enforcement will speak with concert promoters and witnesses and review videos available from the event and inside the festival venue.

“I have called for a detailed briefing from all stakeholders, including Live Nation, Harris County, NRG Park, Police, Fire, Office of Emergency Management, and other agencies, explaining how the event got out of control leading to the deaths and injuries of several attendees.”

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shared this statement via Twitter:

“Nobody should ever expect for a loved one to go to a concert and not return. We’re continuing to support the response and are grateful to @houstonpolice @HoustonFire and others for their continued work. I’m calling for an objective and independent investigation into what happened.”

Gov. Greg Abbott released the following statement:

“What happened at Astroworld Festival last night was tragic, and our hearts are with those who lost their lives and those who were injured in the terrifying crowd surge. Thank you to the first responders and good Samaritans who were on site and immediately tended to those who were injured in the crowd. The State of Texas is ready assist in the response, and I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to make state resources available to support the investigation. I ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in lifting up in prayer those affected by this tragedy.”

Fort Bend County Judge KP George’s office released the following statement:

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives and those who were seriously injured during the chaos that took place last night. We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones who have suffered the loss of a daughter, son, sister, or brother during an unexpected moment that has changed their lives forever.

“I thank our first responders in Houston and the surrounding areas for acting quickly and providing critical care for those at the scene. I will continue to be in communication with Houston and Harris County officials to provide whatever assistance is needed.

“As a city and community, let us continue to pray for strength and guidance during this extremely misfortunate time.”

The Harris County District Attorney’s officer says they are “deeply shocked” by the events that unfolded at Astroworld Festival.

“The [Harris County District Attorney’s Office] is deeply shocked and saddened over the 8 lives lost at the Astroworld tragedy. Our team is assisting police in their investigation. As with every case, evidence will guide us. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased & injured as they face the days ahead.”

The University of Houston sent out the following tweet, sending out their thoughts to the families who lost their loved ones.

“The tragic deaths and injuries that occurred during the Astroworld Festival are heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with all who have been effected by this incredible loss, including the families and friends of the victims.”

“Houston is hurting following the tragic event at Astroworld Festival,” UH president Renu Khator said on Twitter. “I offer my deepest condolences and prayers for all those impacted by this devastating event and loss of life.”

Houston rappers Bun B and Trae Tha Truth wrote on Instagram stories that their “thoughts are with the families.”

On Sunday, rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West dedicated his Sunday Service to the victims of the Astroworld Festival.

On Monday, members of the Kardashian and Jenner family offered their condolences to the victims of the Astroworld Festival.

SEE MORE:

‘Our hearts are broken’: At least 8 dead, several others injured at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival at NRG Park, officials say

By the numbers: Astroworld festival crowd surge turns deadly

Astroworld Festival and other other concert events that turned tragic.

Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival: This is the history of the event