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Bharti Shahani: Woman who was dropped on her head by Astroworld medics dies after 5 days in ICU

The Texas A&M student was declared brain dead and removed from life support six days after attending Astroworld, her first-ever concert

On November 10, 2021, another victim of the Astroworld tragedy was named. Indian-origin student Bharti Shahani was identified as the woman dropped by first responders at the venue and consequently ended up on a ventilator. She is now brain-dead, and as of November 11, has reportedly been taken off life support. The heartbreaking story has quickly found its way all over the internet, with many mourning Shahani, who was just 22 years old.

Shahani is the 9th person to have died from the tragedy in Texas, with others being as young as 14. One victim, Danish Baig, was identified by his brother, who in an emotional Facebook post recounted how he died saving his wife from the stampede. The deaths have led to multiple lawsuits against Travis Scott, Drake, and the venue as well. So far, Shahani's family has not confirmed if they will file a suit.

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The heartbreaking story of Shahni was made even worse after she was identified as the woman being dropped head-first by first responders. It was taken by a concertgoer who noticed Sahahni (then unidentified) being carried off in a stretcher. In the chaos and confusion, the stretcher fell down as they were trying to get it over a ledge. As a result, Shahani's head crashed onto the metal grate below.

Who was Bharti Shahani?

Little is known about the 22-year-old, who has been identified as a student of Texas A&M University. She was reportedly studying electronics systems engineering at the university and would have graduated in the spring of 2022. ABC 13 reported she had already secured a summer internship, and following her graduation would take over the family business. It's not clear what business the family owns, or where. 

Reportedly, the Astroworld concert was Shahani's first, and she decided to go with her sister Namrata Shahani and her cousin Mohit Bellani. Namrata and Mohit lost contact with Shahani during the chaos and confusion, and also lost their cellphones. The parents then rushed to NRG Park and visited multiple hospitals before they found Shahani at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Reportedly, the stampede left Shahani bleeding and on a ventilator. She suffered multiple heart attacks and lost oxygen for nearly 10 minutes. It is believed the family opted to take Shahani off the ventilator because her chances of survival were close to zero. The news took social media by storm, as many mourned Shahani.

'Pray that Travis Scott gets sued out of existence'

"Bharti Shahani was taken off life support today and became astroworld’s 9th victim. Her family reps confirm neither Travis Scott nor any member of his team has reached out to them. It was her first ever concert. Rest easy beautiful girl," tweeted one person. Another replied to the news, "I’m so sorry for Bharti’s family. May her memory bring them peace and their lawyers bring a huge settlement." One said, "so so sorry to hear this praying to God her soul finds rest and family finds comfort."

"The 9th Astroworld victim, Bharti Shahani has died. Honestly I pray that Travis Scott gets sued out of existence and prosecuted," one person tweeted. Another said, "Rest in Peace to the beautiful Bharti Shahani, this is devastating - hearing her heartbroken family speak. I hope they find peace through this experience and get JUSTICE." One tweeted, "watching Bharti Shahani’s mother cry and grieve her daughter in their family press conference broke my heart. Prayers to all the victims of the astrofest tragedy & those currently in the hospital still fighting for their lives man."

"And another has been added to the list, Bharti Shahani, 22. Someone or someones need to go through jail for this," one angry user commented. Another furious person said, "RIP Bharti Shahani. @trvisXX grow a pair, put money where your dumbass mouth is and compensate these folks, you absolute c--kwomble."

Shahani's family announced her passing on November 11, at an emotional press conference. Her cousin Mohit described the night as a "nightmare" while slamming the use of the word "tragedy" to describe the event. "The connotation... implies it was something very much unavoidable. I think the word that should be used is atrocity," he said. The family has also started a GoFundMe, with a target of $75,000 to pay for Shahini's expenses. At the time of publication, they managed to raise over $70,000.