Astroworld Staffers Were Reportedly Instructed To Refer To Dead Guests As 'Smurfs,' Never Use The Word 'Deceased'
A contingency plan!
Following the tragedy at Astroworld during Travis Scott’s set on Friday, November 5, where eight died after the crowd stormed the stage trampling bystanders on the way, reports are coming out the festival had a plan in case of such incidents.
According to a 56-page security and medical response plan, Astroworld staff was instructed to refer to any guests who died as “Smurfs,” reported CHRON. The documents were reportedly authored by Austin, Texas-based concert promoter Scoremore.
A section in the document ordered the staff to use a code word in the “event of a traumatic injury resulting in death” at the venue. Security responding to any potential fatality must begin notifying “Event Control of a suspected deceased victim utilizing the code 'Smurfs,'" borrowing from the beloved children’s cartoon characters. The document stressed staffers should “never use the term 'dead' or 'deceased' over the radio.”
“Based on the site's layout and numerous past experiences, a Security Plan has been established to help mitigate potential negative issues within the scope of the festival,” the Scoremore event plan stated.
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It is unknown if the code word “Smurfs” was used during the tragedy on Friday. On Monday, November 8, Scoremore issued a statement via Instagram. “We wanted to provide an update on the steps that Scoremore, Live Nation and the Astroworld Fest team have been taking,” organizers began. “Throughout the weekend, we have been working to provide local authorities with everything they need from us in order to complete their investigation and get everyone the answers they are looking for.”
As OK! previously reported, the “SICKO MODE” rapper took the stage around 9 p.m. on Friday and the crowd of nearly 50,000 surged to the front. The mass chaos left 8 people dead, 23 people rushed to the hospital and over 300 treated at the on-site field hospital.
Kylie Jenner’s baby daddy has offered to cover the funeral costs for the eight individuals who lost their lives. The 30-year-old will foot the bill for all associated costs that arise from putting the victims to rest, reported Radar. He is also partnering with BetterHelp — a network of mental health professionals — to provide therapy to anyone who attended Astroworld.
The Astroworld site, Houston
