A construction worker helping to build the stage for Shakira’s huge Copacabana beach concert has died after a serious accident during preparations, organisers have confirmed.
The Colombian superstar is due to perform on May 2 at Todo Mundo No Rio, the free mega-event that draws millions to Rio de Janeiro and has previously hosted global names including Lady Gaga and Madonna.
Event bosses said the fatal incident occurred on Sunday (26.04.26), revealing in a statement that an accident during the afternoon “tragically claimed the life of a professional who was working on assembling the structures for the show.”
They said first responders treated the man at the scene before the fire department rushed him to hospital, adding: “Unfortunately, the professional passed away at the hospital. At this time, we are providing all support, comfort, and solidarity to the responsible company, its team, and the victim’s family.”
Brazil’s state fire brigade later confirmed to People that the worker suffered crushing injuries to his lower limbs after an incident involving a lifting system.
They said colleagues had already freed him from the equipment before emergency crews arrived.
Military rescue teams from the GMAR-Copacabana unit began treatment immediately before transporting him to Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital.
Despite efforts to save him, his death was confirmed shortly after arrival.
Shakira has not yet commented publicly on the tragedy.
The singer’s huge Rio gig will come after she set a new milestone in her career after performing to more than 400,000 people at Mexico City’s Zócalo — the largest crowd ever recorded at the iconic square.
The free event in March turned the capital into a full-scale celebration as fans travelled from across the country to witness the star’s landmark performance.
Giant screens were installed throughout the surrounding streets, with additional viewing areas at Alameda Central and the Monument to the Revolution to accommodate the enormous turnout.
The performances are part of her ongoing global run, which spans her full catalogue of hits.
Her latest achievements follow a major accolade from Billboard, which recently confirmed her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour as the highest-grossing Hispanic tour in history. The trek pulled in $421.6 million across 82 stadium dates in the US and Latin America, drawing more than 3.3 million fans.
Shakira was also named a 2026 nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, further cementing her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
