A superfan who grew to become a viral face of Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella efficiency and an emblem of pure pleasure for hundreds noticed her life come to a devastating finish.

Dallas native Sydney Hardeman died by suicide on November 8. Her youthful brother, Jay Hardeman, confirmed her loss of life to the New York Post on Saturday (November 15).

The 25-year-old flight teacher shot to web fame after Netflix’s 2019 documentary Homecoming captured her surprised expression throughout Beyoncé’s historic set.

Her wide-eyed response, immortalized on display screen, shortly unfold throughout social media.

“I was expecting to see myself because I remember the cameraman being in my face the whole time, but I was so happy to be shown because it means Beyoncé knows my face exists,” she instructed BuzzFeed. “I’m surprised that it blew up, but I knew once Netflix accounts retweeted it, it would catch attention quickly.”

Sydney’s love for Beyoncé began when she was 13 and have become a defining a part of her identification. In highschool, she gained first place in a expertise present with a full Beyoncé tribute, full with choreography and backup dancers.

She additionally performed varsity basketball all 4 years and was named to the promenade queen court docket at what her brother described as the biggest highschool in Texas.

At St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, she studied prison justice whereas excelling on the basketball court docket, setting a faculty document for many three-pointers in a single recreation.

After graduating magna c## laude, she earned a full scholarship to United Aviate Academy and have become an authorized flight teacher.

“She was so determined and nice and welcoming and happy,” Jay stated. “And she never missed a Beyoncé album or tour.”

The viral second that made her a recognizable face worldwide didn’t occur by likelihood. Determined to see Beyoncé reside, Sydney satisfied her mother to let her attend Coachella, then traveled from Texas to California together with her brother and finest good friend.

Once the gates opened, she sprinted half a mile to the principle stage and held her spot for 12 hours within the warmth.

“I took off running through the gates. Her main stage was a half of mile from the entrance so it was a long run and it was hot outside,” she stated in a 2020 interview with The Story of Texas project.

She first noticed herself in Homecoming whereas watching in her dorm room at 2 A.M. Her mom, Jamie Hardeman, instructed TMZ that Sydney screamed with pleasure when she noticed herself on display screen.

The second led to a wave of media consideration, together with interviews with Oprah Magazine and appearances on EBC Network. Her tweet of the clip racked up hundreds of likes and shares.

Outside of her Beyoncé fandom, Sydney had a variety of pursuits.

“She loved to fly and travel and meet new people,” Jay stated. “She liked to play guitar and piano … she did have a very musical aspect to her.”

She was engaged and planning an April wedding ceremony on the time of her loss of life. Her household stated she had struggled emotionally after her grandfather’s passing and had canceled remedy appointments they inspired her to attend.

Her mom supplied a message to younger individuals who seemed as much as Sydney: “You guys are young, and you are excited, you guys haven’t gotten to the good part. Lean on your village, Sydney had a huge village … sometimes you just need to be vulnerable to the people around you so they can help you. Parents are here to support you. It’s OK to be down, it’s normal, you haven’t gotten to the good part yet. Please keep going.”

Jamie added, “She never meant to leave you. She loved all of you. In her name, make sure you guys are OK and find the support when you need it.”

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