The family of the third victim killed during a stampede at a GloRilla concert in Rochester, New York has retained attorney Ben Crump for their legal proceedings. Crump is now calling on the rapper, the concert venue, and its staff for “transparency” and accountability.
As previously reported by The Shade Room, a 35-year-old woman named Aisha Haskins-Stephens was the third victim to pass away after sustaining critical injuries following a stampede at the concert.
The event took place at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York on Sunday, March 5. Stephens reportedly passed away on Wednesday, March 8.
The Stephens family has retained nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Benjamin Crump. According to the attorney’s official website, Crump is a steadfast advocate for social justice and has “represented families in several high-profile civil rights cases.”
Those cases include that of Trayvon Martin, a teenager wrongfully killed by a Florida neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012; Michael Brown, who was killed in 2014 by a law enforcement officer in Ferguson, Missouri; Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man wrongfully killed while jogging in Georgia; Breonna Taylor, a Black woman who was murdered by police officers while she slept in her home in Kentucky; and George Floyd, a man who was murdered by police who kneeled on his neck and wrongfully restrained him in 2020.
In addition, Crump has reached million-dollar settlements for his victims and their families. He won a $27 million settlement for the family of George Floyd. As well as a $12 million settlement for the family of Breonna Taylor.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Crump has also been a part of legal efforts to secure justice for Shanquella Robinson, a woman who vacationed in Cabo, Mexico with tripmates, never returned home, then was seen beaten on camera by the group.
Attorney Ben Crump has now issued a statement regarding the stampede that occurred at the concert. He has condemned officials for not doing more to prevent such occurrences.
“It is disturbing that after the deaths caused by a crowd stampede at the Astroworld Festival, more precautions have not been taken at concert venues…”
Crump also explained that Stephen’s death was “preventable.” In addition, he is calling on GloRilla, the Main Street Armory, and other event officials, to show “transparency” and accountability for the tragedy.
“Aisha’s death was completely preventable and we are calling for transparency from Main Street Armory, GloRilla, and event staff as the investigation into how this tragedy transpired continues. Concert venues and organizers have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety and health of those in attendance – individuals who just want to enjoy music and have fun with their friends. It is imperative that we learn what happened and hold those responsible accountable.”
“We will continue to pray for Aisha and her family as we seek justice in this tragedy – and do what we can to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, the family of Brandy Miller, 35, has also revealed plans to sue to sue GloRilla, a fellow performer, Finesse2Tymes, the concert promoters, and the venue.
At the time of reporting, Miller’s sister Michelle explained that the family has been working relentlessly to obtain a high-profile attorney of their own. Additionally, she said that her family “has no plans to back down” and believes that her sister’s death could have been prevented.
Miller’s brother was also present at the concert but watched from a different area. He explained that the show “was total pandemonium from the very beginning.”
It remains unclear whether the family of the first victim of the concert stampede plans to pursue legal action. As The Shade Room previously reported, the woman was identified as Rhondesia Belton, 33.
Belton was reportedly laid to rest on March 14, and food and beverages for the service was catered free of charge by People’s Choice Kitchen.
Belton’s godmother explained that she’s grateful for the support received by the community.
