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Fan Electrocuted At Concert
Ashley Faris, 26, of Waxhaw, 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.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Faris was walking barefoot in the rain Friday night on a lighted, concrete stairway with metal edges at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre when he was shocked. The stairway is to the right of the stage and takes concertgoers from lawn seats to a concession area.
Robards, who lives in Concord, also was shocked when he grabbed Faris in an effort to help him. Robards, who did not know Faris, was released from the hospital Saturday.
Robards’ father said his son did not want to talk about what happened, and was very sore, but that he is expected to make a full recovery.
The electrocution happened about 9:30 p.m. during a break after Snoop Dogg performed but before The Red Hot Chili Peppers took the stage. The show continued as planned and many concertgoers never knew anyone was hurt.
Verizon officials have declined to answer questions about the incident, providing only written statements.
“We are working with local authorities and investigators to determine how the incident took place,” a statement released Saturday said. “The Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre extends heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the individuals involved in this unfortunate incident.”
Faris was a newlywed – married in December to a woman from Bulgaria who came to Charlotte to attend school, friends and family members said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police investigated Faris’ death and labeled it a “public accident.”
They notified Duke Power, Mecklenburg County building inspectors and N.C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials, who also are investigating.