Sheila E. Criticizes Festival Management After Tragic Incident at Concert

Sheila E. criticized festival organizers after a woman died during her performance at the Carson Jazz Festival in Southern California. The woman, identified as Shari Sanders, passed away amidst extreme temperatures over the weekend.

The musician expressed her heartbreak on social media, highlighting the tragedy of the loss and questioning the festival’s handling of the situation. She described the soaring temperatures, which exceeded 100 degrees, and noted the crowds lining up early as organizers opened the grounds earlier than planned.

This has never happened to me in my entire career. It was devastating. Her name was Shari Sanders.

Sheila E. described the day, recounting how emergency crews frequently moved through the crowds. From her dressing room, she and her band noticed the intensity of the heat and assumed dehydration might be affecting attendees. Delays in production added to the chaos, and Sheila noted the lack of a sound check before her set.

During the festival, a bystander noticed Shari Sanders slumped over as she was saving seats for her family. Paramedics arrived about 20 minutes later, but it was too late. Sheila E. and her band were informed of the woman’s death, leaving them heartbroken.

The festival, celebrated for 40 years, faced criticism from Sheila E. for its inadequate preparation. She pointed out the insufficiency of hydration stations as a critical issue. The lack of immediate response led to fervent frustration.

Before taking the stage, Sheila E. and her band prayed for Sanders, dedicating their performance to her memory. After their set, it was revealed that Shari’s body was removed at 5 p.m., half an hour after they finished playing.

I want to send my personal condolences to you. I should not have played. Someone should have told me that she was still there.

She called for the festival to be halted in such a tragic scenario. Reflecting on the incident, Sheila E. expressed deep regret over the situation unraveling as it did.

Following the event, Carson City Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes issued a statement addressing the tragic death. She conveyed condolences to the Sanders family and the community affected by the loss.

For further details or comments, Fox News Digital reached out to the Mayor’s office and the city of Carson.