Comic Con Death Rocks 'Twilight' Fans
A "Twilight" fan attending San Diego's Comic Con was struck by a car and killed on Tuesday.
Gisela Gagliardi of Kingston, N.Y. was racing toward the event center in order to get back in the line for a discussion panel about the newest "Twilight" movie in the series. She suffered a serious head injury and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
It was the 53-year-old 's fourth trip to the annual convention of science and fiction fantasy fans.
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The 67-year-old woman who hit her cooperated with investigators and will not be cited, authorities said, according to the Daily Mail.
The entire event was rocked by the tragic death outside its convention center. Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment released a joint statement regarding the death of Gagliardi.
"Lionsgate, Summit and the entire 'Twilight' community are saddened by the death of a Comic-Con fan today due to a traffic accident during the hours leading up to this year's convention in San Diego," said the movie executives.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim's family and friends. She will be respectfully remembered this Thursday in Hall H," the statement concluded.
A "Twilight" panel is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Thursday, but it is unknown if the Comic Con death will be mentioned. Actor Robert Pattinson is expected to be there, as is "Twilight" director Bill Condon.
A fan-generated Twitter petition has requested a moment of silence be observed during this year's Comic Con for the victim, and it has been well-received as a result. The supportive group also started a fundraiser to help her family pay the funeral expenses.
Over 100,000 pop-culture enthusiasts are expected to flock to the San Diego Convention Center from Thursday to Sunday. Many fans have already arrived and continue to do so today.
