Man returning from Taylor Swift concert at NRG Stadium fatally struck by alleged DWI suspect: HPD

Briana Conner Image
Monday, April 24, 2023
Man pushing car on SW Freeway fatally hit by alleged DWI offender: HPD
The suspect fled after hitting the concertgoer, but was followed by a tow truck driver in the area before being arrested by police, officials said.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver following car trouble on the Southwest Freeway early Saturday morning, the Houston Police Department said.

According to officials, the victim, Jacob Lewis, was returning from Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' concert at NRG Stadium with his sister when their car stalled in the northbound lane of US-59 and Shepherd Drive.

April Bancroft is physically okay, but she said she's never been at a lower point. She saw the suspected DWI driver hit her brother.

"I immediately ran to him and called 911," she said. "And that was it."

That's one of Bancroft's last memories of her younger brother, but it's not the one she said would stay with her from Friday night.

Just a couple hours before the crash, Bancroft and Lewis were preparing to see Taylor Swift together.

"Knowing we had that experience as our last memory is something wonderful to hold on to, and I will forever," she said.

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Lewis was reportedly pushing the stalled-out car when a driver in a Volkswagen Beetle came from behind, hit Lewis, and fled the scene, according to HPD.

Lewis died at the scene, police said.

A tow truck driver in the area saw the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Alan Bryant Hayes, and followed him to the 4500 block of Caroline Street before police were called.

Hayes attempted to run away on foot but was apprehended by HPD officers a short time after.

Hayes is in custody on a $90,000 bond, which Bancroft said is a good thing there are bars between them.

"Part of me knows I should not get anywhere near him with what I want to do to him because this just breaks my heart," she said.

According to charging documents, Hayes has been charged with failure to stop and render aid and driving while intoxicated.

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Records show that Hayes was previously charged with DWI in 2014 and 2015.

Lewis is remembered as a talented thespian who was a good friend, son, brother, and uncle.

He performed through high school and at the professional theatre, Stages. Lewis was recently accepted to Sam Houston State University to pursue musical theatre. "He always shone so brightly on the stage. He was a bright light to so many. Steve Lewis is his father, Lewis's mother, Karyn Lewis, said.

"He had such a bright future. We were looking forward to his future", he added.

Lewis graduated from Taylor High School in Katy.

The family plans to create a scholarship fund in Katy Independent School District in his name so that other musical theater students can achieve the dream stolen from Jacob.

The family is accepting donations through GoFundMe.

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