A concert on Friday (June 6) in Charlotte, North Carolina featuring Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers turned into a tragedy for one fan. According to the Charlotte Observer, 26-year-old Ashley Farris, a student at UNC Charlotte, was electrocuted as he walked barefoot on a wet stairway at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Faris was pronounced dead at Carolinas Medical Center-University, police said. A passer-by who tried to help Faris, 23-year-old Ryan Robards, was treated for electric shock.
Police said Faris was electrocuted when he walked barefoot in the rain on a lighted, concrete stairway with metal edges. Robards was shocked when he grabbed Faris in an attempt to help. Robards was released from the hospital on Saturday (June 7), and is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident happened after Snoop Dogg’s set and before the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ performance. The concert went on as planned-as most of the fans were unaware of the tragedy.
Officials for the Verizon Amphitheatre discussed the indicent in a statement: “We are working with local authorities and investigators to determine how the incident took place. The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre extends heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the individuals involved in this unfortunate incident.”
Ashley Faris, who was married in December to a woman from Bulgaria who came to Charlotte to attend school, was close to graduating from college.
