Sheila E. criticizes Carson Jazz Festival after attendee death

Musician Sheila E. has criticized officials and organizers of the Carson Jazz Festival following the death of attendee Shari Sanders. Sanders was found unconscious in the VIP section during a heat wave with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and was later pronounced dead from what her family described as a heat-related illness.

Sheila E. expressed outrage that the festival continued and that she was permitted to perform before the deceased was removed from the venue. The musician noted seeing first responders moving through crowds during her wait for a sound check and stated, “You should have stopped the festival. This was uncalled for.”

Criticism has been directed at the City of Carson for failing to implement adequate safety measures despite active heat advisories. Suggested improvements include increasing hydration stations, providing air-conditioned cooling spaces, and deploying more trained medical personnel to monitor for heat exhaustion and dehydration.