A superfan who became a viral face of Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance and a symbol of pure joy for thousands saw her life come to a devastating end.
Dallas native Sydney Hardeman died by suicide on November 8. Her younger brother, Jay Hardeman, confirmed her death to the New York Post on Saturday (November 15).
The 25-year-old flight instructor shot to internet fame after Netflix’s 2019 documentary Homecoming captured her stunned expression during Beyoncé’s historic set.
Her wide-eyed reaction, immortalized on screen, quickly spread across 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 told 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 started when she was 13 and became a defining part of her identity. In high school, she won first place in a talent show with a full Beyoncé tribute, complete with choreography and backup dancers.
She also played varsity basketball all four years and was named to the prom queen court at what her brother described as the largest high school in Texas.
At St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, she studied criminal justice while excelling on the basketball court, setting a school record for most three-pointers in a single game.
After graduating magna c## laude, she earned a full scholarship to United Aviate Academy and became a certified flight instructor.
“She was so determined and nice and welcoming and happy,” Jay said. “And she never missed a Beyoncé album or tour.”
The viral moment that made her a recognizable face worldwide didn’t happen by chance. Determined to see Beyoncé live, Sydney convinced her mom to let her attend Coachella, then traveled from Texas to California with her brother and best friend.
Once the gates opened, she sprinted half a mile to the main stage and held her spot for 12 hours in the heat.
“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 said in a 2020 interview with The Story of Texas project.
She first saw herself in Homecoming while watching in her dorm room at 2 A.M. Her mother, Jamie Hardeman, told TMZ that Sydney screamed with excitement when she spotted herself on screen.
The moment led to a wave of media attention, including interviews with Oprah Magazine and appearances on EBC Network. Her tweet of the clip racked up thousands of likes and shares.
Outside of her Beyoncé fandom, Sydney had a wide range of interests.
“She loved to fly and travel and meet new people,” Jay said. “She liked to play guitar and piano … she did have a very musical aspect to her.”
She was engaged and planning an April wedding at the time of her death. Her family said she had struggled emotionally after her grandfather’s passing and had canceled therapy appointments they encouraged her to attend.
Her mother offered a message to young people who looked up to 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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