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Two Illinois men who were best friends since elementary school were among the eight people killed at the Astroworld Festival in Houston, Texas.
Hundreds were injured in the fatal crowd surge at Travis Scott’s festival on Friday night (November 5). Local news outlets report that Jacob Jurinek, 20, and Franco Patino, 21, were among the eight victims of the stampede, according to several local news outlets. Both graduated from Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, according to WAND-TV. Jurinek’s family said in a statement that he “was beloved by his family and by his seemingly countless number of friends for his contagious enthusiasm, his boundless energy and his unwavering positive attitude.” Separately, Patino’s father remembered his son as a “very noble and friendly guy” who “was a best friend” to those who knew him, according to WREX.
Scott and Drake are facing lawsuits in connection with the Astroworld incident. Scott released a statement over the weekend, saying that he’s “absolutely devastated by what took place” at the festival. “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…” He has since pledged to pay for the funerals of the eight victims of the Astroworld Festival stampede.