Entertainment
Travis Scott vows to cover funeral costs of Astroworld victims and provide mental health support after deadly crowd crush
Travis Scott has promised to cover the funeral costs of Astroworld victims (Picture: AP – Retuers)
Travis Scott has announced he will cover all funeral costs and provide further aid for the victims killed during his Astroworld festival on Friday.
The 30-year-old’s music event ended in tragedy after at least eight attendees were killed, with one victim as young as 14, and dozens injured when the crowd surged towards the stage, crushing fans.
In a statement shared with Metro.co.uk, the Sicko Mode hitmaker revealed his plans to support individuals affected by the November 5 tragedy at the festival in Houston, Texas.
The rapper has partnered with online counseling company BetterHelp to supply free one-on-one online therapy and is working closely with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), MHA National (Mental Health America), and MHA of Greater Houston to direct all those in need to proper mental health services.
The statement continued: ‘Travis remains in active conversations with the city of Houston, law enforcement and local first responders to respectfully and appropriately connect with the individuals and families of those involved.
‘These are the first of many steps Travis plans on taking as a part of his personal vow to assist those affected throughout their grieving and recovery process.’
The rapper’s music festival ended in tragedy, with at least eight fans killed by a stampede (Picture: Erika Goldring/WireImage)
As part of the emotional support efforts, BetterHelp, in conjunction with Travis, will be offering free one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist for those who sign up using their dedicated link – www.betterhelp.com/cactusjackfoundation.
BetterHelp will also direct those in immediate need to NAMI, who has a dedicated national hotline, available Monday – Friday from 10am to 10pm ET. The hotline can be reached at 1-844-CJ NAMI 1 (844-256-2641).
NAMI’s Greater Houston chapter will help ensure access to various counseling services, psychoeducation, community-based healing circles, support groups, and other related services are provided.
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The statement concluded: ‘Travis is grateful to be working alongside BetterHelp, a renowned mental health service provider and to be able to quickly provide this fundamental care and support.
‘Further relief efforts to be announced in the coming days and weeks.’
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The announcement comes after the Highest in the Room rapper also vowed to provide refunds to all who attended the outdoor festival.
Meanwhile, family members of the victims have begun to publicly pay tribute to their loved ones who died while Scott performed his set at NRG Park.
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