Woman, 28, Films Final Moments at Concert Before It Takes Terrifying Turn

Newsweek

6 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A woman who was filming herself enjoying a Mariah Carey performance at a London music festival unexpectedly lost consciousness and collapsed in front of a large crowd.
Francesca Hussain (@lifewithmrshussain), 28, from Hampshire in the U.K., was attending the Capital Summertime Ball on June 15 at Wembley Stadium, London, when the terrifying incident occurred. The annual event, hosted by radio station Capital FM, is one of the U.K.'s biggest pop concerts, featuring a lineup of top-charting artists. A video of her enjoying the concert moments before collapsing garnered almost 5,000 likes and more than 324,700 views.
Hussain was watching the final act of the evening—Mariah Carey—when she told her husband that she needed to sit down shortly after 9:30 p.m.
Hussain told Newsweek: "It all happened quite fast. I said to my husband that I needed to sit down, so I sat right in front of him. He checked on me and asked if I was OK, and apparently I said, 'No, I need to get out of here.'
"He assumed I might have been feeling claustrophobic, so he helped me up—but after taking just two steps, I collapsed right in front of everyone."
A split image of Francesca Hussain enjoying the concert moments with her husband before she collapsed.
A split image of Francesca Hussain enjoying the concert moments with her husband before she collapsed.
@lifewithmrshussain/@lifewithmrshussain
Hussain later said that she has no memory from the moment she sat down. She added that she hit her head hard when she collapsed and began vomiting shortly afterward. Bystanders rushed to help.
Hussain was reportedly placed in the recovery position by two medically trained strangers before a staff member finally arrived, shining a flashlight in her eyes and asking her name. She was then stretchered out as someone called out that she was extremely tachycardic (i.e. she had an abnormally high heart rate).
She said she later woke up in the medic room with only fragmented memories of what had happened.
Hussain recalled having had a few drinks earlier in the day—one cocktail, one cider, and two vodka lemonades—but said she stopped drinking by 6 p.m. and was taking water afterward due to the heat. She added that it was hotter than in previous years and didn't feel any symptoms beforehand.
Hussain said: "I genuinely didn't feel like anything was wrong. I was just enjoying myself, soaking in the atmosphere, and having a great time. It really caught me off guard, and I still can't quite get my head around what happened—it was just so sudden and unexpected."
She described feeling confused and drained when she regained consciousness, grateful to the woman who stayed by her side and checked her vitals.
Hussain added: "I honestly don't remember much at all, and everything felt a bit surreal. What really stuck with me, though, was how emotional I felt when I realized how many strangers had helped me. It was overwhelming—but in a kind, touching way."
Still, she said, the situation was also deeply embarrassing. She kept apologizing to those around her and couldn't fully grasp what had happened. TikTok commenters later helped her piece together more details, revealing that people nearby had stepped in quickly.
Hussain said: "The crowd around me was absolutely amazing. I later found out through my TikTok that two people who helped were actually medically trained. They were the ones who placed me into the recovery position—and, honestly, I can't stop thinking about how serious things could have gotten if they hadn't acted so quickly."
Adding to her concern was the fact that she struck her head during the fall, something that could have had more serious consequences.
Once medics finally arrived, Hussain said they were professional and efficient. She was wheeled through the arena via a path cleared by the crowd—another moment she only learned about afterward.
She added: "The medics said it was most likely heat exhaustion, probably brought on by the heat, dehydration, and possibly from standing too long without enough rest. They monitored me, gave me fluids, and made sure I was stable before letting me go."
Hussain said that she takes Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, which she later learned may increase sensitivity to heat and interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature—something she believes people should be more aware of.
While Hussain is not sure the medication played a direct role, she said she hopes speaking up will help others stay safe.
Meanwhile, the reaction on TikTok has been one of support and shared experiences. Some commenters recalled going through similar episodes at other major concerts:
"My sister had to get carried over the barrier because she got heat stroke so she and my dad missed the entire show!" said one user, Sophie.
"Omggg [oh my God] we were right next to this! Everyone was shining their phone lights and seemed like it took the staff forever to get to you, it was making me so anxious. Everyone did the right thing by you though and even made a long pathway so you could be wheeled out! Hope you've recovered now," posted Georgia.
"Was this during Mariah's set? We waved for what felt like forever to get security over to you!!!! I hope you're ok," wrote Charlene.
"From above, we saw the flash lights all light up in a help circle around you, seemed to be a long time that they were all signaling for before you got any help. Glad you're OK," added Liss.
"This happened to me at Beyoncé. Queued since 12:30 then literally 30 seconds before she came on I got carried over the barriers and taken to the medical center and missed the whole concert," commented Kayleigh.
Despite the frightening ordeal, Francesca said she remains deeply thankful to everyone who helped her that night—especially the two medically trained strangers.
"Just a huge thank you to everyone who helped me—whether it was in person on the night, or in the comments online afterward. I've been genuinely overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers."
Wembley Stadium could not comment on the specific case, but provided some guidance to Newsweek.
"We urge all concertgoers to hydrate regularly and to make use of the free water fountains available on all levels of the stadium," the spokesperson said.
"Wembley Stadium employs a team of medically trained and experienced health professionals at every major event, including teams specifically pitchside.
"The team deal with a multitude of medical incidents, which require immediate attention, often in difficult, crowded spaces," the spokesperson added.
"It is common for crowds to help and support fellow concertgoers when they are taken unwell and provide supportive aid until medical support arrives.
"On this occasion, the guest was moved away from the crowd and assessed, and we are glad to hear has made a full recovery."
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