DAYTON, Ohio — A University of Dayton student was one of eight victims killed this weekend at the Astroworld music festival in Houston, Texas, according to UD officials.
The university confirmed in a written statement Franco Patino, 21, a senior from Naperville, Illinois, was killed Friday, while attending the concert. Franco was a mechanical engineering technology major with a minor in human movement biomechanics, said UD officials.
“Franco was a beloved friend, cousin, nephew, brother, and son. He was loved by so many because of the loyal, loving, selfless, protective, funny, and caring person he was,” his family wrote in a statement Monday. “Even though he was a hardworking individual, he would always try to make time for his family and the people he cared about. We will miss the big heart Franco had and his passion for helping others. We’re glad Franco always tried to live life to the fullest and are glad to know he was the type of person that would put others before himself until the very end.”
Houston officials said Saturday they were in the early stages of investigating the pandemonium that unfolded Friday evening at Astroworld, a sold-out, two-day event in NRG Park with an estimated 50,000 people in attendance.
The tragedy unfolded when the crowd rushed the stage, squeezing people so tightly they couldn’t breathe.
One concertgoer said that as a timer ticked down to the start of Scott’s show, held in a fenced-off parking lot, the crowd pushed forward. Screaming and panic ensued, and people began passing out.
A member of Alpha Psi Lambda, a Hispanic interest fraternity, Franco was active in the Greek and MEC communities on campus. He was also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at UD, active in the ETHOS program, and was currently working in an engineering coop program in Mason, Ohio, according to the statement.
Information on a campus memorial service and funeral arrangements for Franco is pending.
UD officials also said students and staff are also mourning the loss of Parker Spindle, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who died Nov. 3 in Grand Rapids. Parker was an upperclassman in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Parker will be remembered on campus in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8.
“Losing two students during the same week brings immeasurable grief to our campus community. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to Franco’s and Parker’s families, friends, professors, and our campus community. Campus ministers, the dean of students office, housing and residence life, and counseling staff are always available for you and for those who you know may be deeply affected by these losses,” officials said.
In a statement Saturday, Scott said he was “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy that took place during his performance, and said authorities have his “total support” as they continue to investigate the incident.
According to Houston Public Media, at least three lawsuits have been filed against the rapper and concert organizers. One victim, Manuel Souza, is seeking more than $1 million in damages. Attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the family of a 21-year-old man who died at the concert also announced a lawsuit early Monday morning.
Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump also announced Sunday night that he will be representing some victims of the crowd rush.
