Western Washington University student identified as victim in Astroworld Festival tragedy

One of the victims of the Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston was identified as a Western Washington University student.

Axel Acosta, 21, of Yakima County was identified as one of eight people killed during Travis Scott’s performance at the sold-out festival.

Nearly 50,000 people surged toward the stage during Scott’s performance.

On Sunday night, KIRO 7 spoke with a Houston attorney’s office that is representing Acosta’s family. The attorney’s office said his death was senseless and it was working to hold someone accountable.

Witnesses at the music festival described an overwhelming crowd with people piling on top of each other.

“Everyone around us was just trying to take each individual breath and there was just no air left for anyone to breathe. We were too closely compact. Everyone was too pushed up against each other. There was just nowhere to go, no air to breathe,” said Dana Schlomovits, a festival attendee.

Axel Acosta’s father, Edgar Acosta, told KTRK that his son was studying computer science at the university.

“By all accounts, Axel was a young man with a vibrant future. We are sending our condolences to his family on this very sad day,” said Melynda Huskey, vice president of enrollment and student services at Western Washington University.

The young man’s aunt, Cynthia Acosta, said her nephew had traveled alone to the event.

Although Axel’s father has identified him, medical examiners have not positively identified the body as that of Axel as of Sunday, KPRC reported.

The attorney’s office representing Acosta’s family said it will be releasing more information in the coming days.

Attorneys of other victims have also filed lawsuits against festival organizers, including concert headliner and organizer Scott.

The investigation into the tragedy could last for a while as thousands of witnesses are still recounting their stories to the authorities.

Houston police also said they’re investigating possible claims that someone had injected drugs into others.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner confirmed at least one case where a security officer “felt a prick” from a needle-like object in his neck.

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