What you need to know
Sidney Hardman, a Beyoncé fan whose stunned reaction to Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance made headlines, has died. She was 25 years old.
Sydney, from Dallas, Texas, died by suicide on November 8, her mother Jamie Hardeman confirmed to TMZ. She passed away when they were engaged and scheduled to get married in April 2026.
Sydney’s family told the outlet that after her grandfather’s death, she exhibited “mood changes” and tried to get her into counseling, but “she canceled her appointment.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to honor Sydney’s life.
“We are all heartbroken by the sudden passing of our dearest friend and beloved family member, Sidney Hardeman,” organizer Dakota Jenkins wrote. “Sydney was one of those rare people who brought light and laughter wherever she went. She was confident, cheerful, infinitely kind and full of life.”
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Sidney is remembered as a “passionate” person and a “devoted fiance” who was “excited” about the future.
“Sydney meant the world to so many people. Her light, laughter and love will remain with us forever,” GoFundMe organizers wrote.
Fundraisers say the donations will go toward supporting minority scholarships and suicide prevention. So far, more than $10,000 has been raised, with a goal of $16,000.
Sydney went viral on social media following the shocking reaction to Beyoncé’s headlining Coachella set. The set was included in the documentary film Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé about Beyoncé’s performances.
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In a 2019 interview with Buzzfeed News, Sydney said she has been a Beyoncé fan since she was 13 years old and was “surprised” by her “explosion” of her reaction to Beyoncé’s Coachella set.
“I remember the whole time the cameraman was in my face, so I thought he could see me, but I was so happy to see him because it meant Beyoncé knew my face,” she said.
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Sydney’s mother, Jamie, told TMZ that she traveled from Texas to California to see Beyoncé’s Coachella performance and was the first to get in the gate after waiting at a barricade for 12 hours.
In a statement to Beyoncé’s fans, Jamie said: “You’re young, you’re excited and you’re not quite there yet. You rely on your village, and there’s a big village in Sydney… Sometimes you have to be vulnerable with the people around you so they can help you.”
“(Sydney) never meant to leave you guys. She loved you all. In her name, make sure you guys are okay and find support when you need it,” she added.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, emotional distress, substance use issues, or just want to talk, call or text 988 or chat 24/7 at 988lifeline.org.
