Netflix’s ‘Trainwreck’ Explores Astroworld Tragedy Through Survivor Stories

HOUSTON, Texas — Netflix’s documentary anthology “Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy” premiered on June 10, 2025, exploring the tragic events of the 2021 Astroworld Festival.

The first episode features Ayden, a friend of Brianna Rodriguez, who was one of the ten victims of the crowd surge that claimed lives during the festival. He recalls a sense of fear during Travis Scott‘s performance, describing how he and others were knocked down by the crowd.

“One of those waves just hit both me and Bri. We all fell to our backs. I could hear her in pain, asking, ‘help me get out,'” Ayden said. “I felt like the more I kept fighting it, the more I was wasting energy. Like if you’re holding your breath underwater. I could feel the oxygen just leaving my body.”

Ayden could not remember how long he was down but said it felt like forever. He managed to escape the pile and shouted for help, but felt overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness.

“I just wanted to find some help,” he explained, reflecting on the chaotic atmosphere that left him panicked as he searched for his friends.

After reuniting with them, Ayden learned that Brianna was taken to the hospital. Tragically, they were informed that efforts to save her had failed. “Everyone just dropped to the floor… I felt defeated,” he said.

The documentary sheds light on the heartbreak experienced by the victims’ families. Brianna’s family, devastated by her loss, described her as a vibrant 16-year-old high school junior with a passion for dancing.

Rodriguez’s family shared their grief in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, “Gone from our sights, but never from our hearts.” They mourned the loss of their beloved daughter, who they said was now “dancing her way to heaven’s pearly gates.”

The tragedy occurred at Houston‘s NRG Park during a performance by Travis Scott on November 6, 2021. A grand jury later declined to indict Scott for his role in the tragedy, stating he did not hear the screams for help from the crowd.

The other victims included Axel Acosta, 27, and others ranging from ages 9 to 23.