Beloved Beyoncé superfan from viral ‘Homecoming’ clip dies by suicide at age 25
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The Beyoncé fan whose wide-eyed Coachella reaction became one of the defining moments of the star’s “Homecoming” documentary has died, her family said.Read More
Sydney Hardeman, a 25-year-old Texas flight instructor and lifelong member of the BeyHive, committed suicide on Nov. 8, her brother, Jay Hardeman, 23, told the Post Saturday.
She was engaged and had been planning an April wedding.
Cameras cut to Sydney in the crowd, eyes blown wide and mouth hanging open in shock as Beyoncé hit the stage, turning her into a fan-favorite meme.
Beyoncé performing in a star-spangled bodysuit and American flag-themed coat.
Sydney later told BuzzFeed she had been a Beyoncé fan since she was 13 and knew cameras were trained on her during the show.
“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 said after her moment of viral fame.
“I’m surprised that it blew up, but I knew once Netflix accounts retweeted it, it would catch attention quickly,” she added.
Her road to the key moment started long before the festival. Jay said his sister grew up attending the largest high school in Texas, made the prom queen court and won the school talent show with a Beyoncé dance.
Sydney Hardeman smiling in a black polo shirt with “Stature Aviation” written on it.
She played varsity basketball all four years and later joined the team at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where she once set the school record for most three-pointers in a game.
She graduated magna cum laude and earned a full-ride scholarship to United Aviate Academy, he added.
“She was so determined and nice and welcoming and happy,” Jay said. “And she never missed a Beyoncé album or tour.”
Sydney Hardeman in a white cap, looking up with her mouth agape and hand on her chest.
Sydney begged to see Beyoncé’s Coachella performance, her mom, Jamie Hardeman, told TMZ.
She traveled from Texas to California with her brother and best friend, then sprinted to the main stage once gates opened and held her spot at the front rail for about 12 hours.
Months later, she was watching “Homecoming” in her college dorm when she suddenly spotted herself on screen and screamed, her mom said.
In the years after, relatives told TMZ they noticed a shift in her mood following her grandfather’s death.
They encouraged her to seek counseling, but said she canceled her appointments and the family is still searching for answers about what led to her death.
Jamie shared a message aimed at young fans who saw her daughter as a symbol of pure joy.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Jay-Z in a black leather Louis Vuitton jacket and Beyoncé in a cowboy hat and burgundy faux fur coat at Paris Fashion Week.
She added that Sydney “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.”
Jay said his sister found joy in the things that defined her long before she became a viral fan.
“She loved to fly and travel and meet new people,” he said. “She liked to play guitar and piano … she did have a very musical aspect to her.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
