AXE Ceremonia festival canceled after 2 people die in structural collapse
The conclusion of AXE Ceremonia's 2025 festival in Mexico City was forced to a halt after a structural collapse on Saturday resulted in two deaths.
The two-day festival, which kicked off on Saturday at Parque Bicentenario, confirmed the suspension in a statement on its social media accounts Sunday.
"With profound sadness, we confirm the death of the two individuals who were injured in the incident that occurred (yesterday)," the statement, translated from Spanish, reads. "This loss hurts us immensely."
The mayor's office of Miguel Hidalgo, the borough where Parque Bicentenario is located, announced that suspension seals were placed at the festival's entrance in collaboration with the Institute of Administrative Verification, as well as the borough's government-and-legal-affairs and civil protection departments, according to a statement issued on social media.
According to The Associated Press and the Mexican publication El Universal, the individuals — a pair of photographers comprised of one male and one female — were killed after a metal structure at the festival site, described as a "decorative piece," collapsed due to a wind gust.
Following the collapse, the photographers were transferred to Dr. Rubén Leñero General Hospital, where they were diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma and various fractures, the public health services agency IMSS-Bienestar confirmed to the AP and El Universal.
The victims, who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, arrived at the hospital with no vital signs, per the outlets.
The photographers were reportedly identified as Berenice Giles and Miguel Hernández, music outlet Mr. Indie confirmed in a statement on social media Sunday. USA TODAY has reached out to the publication for comment.
"From our space, we want to honor their devotion, their love for music and photography, and their commitment to this project that was also theirs," the outlet said in Spanish.
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In its Sunday statement, AXE Ceremonia said the organization has been in contact with the victims' families to "accompany them in this very difficult moment and offer them all our support and solidarity."
"The safety of our community has always been our priority and we maintain, as from the first moment, a close collaboration and total openness with authorities," the festival said.
Tickets for Sunday's show will be automatically reimbursed via Ticketmaster, AXE Ceremonia shared in a separate statement.
Charli XCX, The Marías react to AXE Ceremonia tragedy
AXE Ceremonia 2025's Saturday launch featured performances from a star-studded lineup that included British pop star Charli XCX, K-pop boy band Tomorrow X Together, regional Mexican singer Natanael Cano and former "Elite" star Arón Piper.
The festival's Sunday finale was slated to include appearances from top artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Lil Yachty, The Marías and Nathy Peluso, among others.
Following the event's suspension, Charli XCX shared a brief tribute on her Instagram Story: "My heart is with the families and friends of Miguel and Berenice."
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Arón wrote on his Instagram Story, in Spanish: "All of our love and support to the families of Berenice and Miguel."
The Marías also mourned the photographers' deaths on Instagram, writing, "Due to the tragedy that occurred yesterday at Ceremonia, we will not be performing today."
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of two photographers, Berenice Giles and Miguel Hernández," the band concluded.
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