Groom collapses and dies during wedding dance in Egypt

A wedding in Egypt ended in tragedy when the groom collapsed and died during a dance with his bride in Aswan Governorate on Thursday. Ashraf Abu Hakam, seen in footage celebrating the ceremony, appeared to be holding his new wife’s hand as they joined relatives and guests in the traditional Saidi dance. Moments later, he suddenly collapsed to the floor, and onlookers rushed to provide aid as music and laughter gave way to alarms and stunned silence. Doctors later confirmed that Abu Hakam had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, according to Gulf News, which cited medical officials familiar with the case.

The clip shows the couple dancing in front of friends and family, both wielding Saidi sticks—a solid pole used in the rhythmic, celebratory dance that is common in southern Egypt. After Abu Hakam falls, the crowd huddles around him as dancers and guests attempt to assist, and the upbeat mood of the celebration quickly turns to concern and distress. The incident quickly spread across Egyptian social media, with many expressing shock and offering condolences for the bride and her family. Friends and followers posted messages describing Abu Hakam as full of life and excited for his future, while others offered prayers for the couple’s wellbeing and peace for his memory.

The tragedy comes just over a week after another wedding-related death in the region’s broader community context. Bosnian media reported that Adna Rovčanin-Omerbegović, a 26-year-old nurse and influencer, fell ill at her wedding reception on September 13. She was rushed to a hospital after collapsing and subsequently slipped into a coma, dying two days later. The two incidents—one in Egypt and one in Bosnia and Herzegovina—have drawn social media attention to the fragility of celebratory moments and the sudden nature of such losses, prompting messages of sympathy from across borders.

Officials have not released further details about the Egyptian case beyond the medical determination of sudden cardiac arrest, and it was not clear whether any preventive health measures or screening had been undertaken prior to the festivities. In the wake of Abu Hakam’s death, friends and family have asked for patience and privacy as they navigate the immediate aftermath and begin to process the loss. Community members described the bride and her relatives as coping with a profound sense of grief as the wedding’s festive plans turned into mourning, with many expressing hope that Abu Hakam would be remembered for his warmth and optimism.

As this week’s coverage of the incident circulates, observers are reminded that sudden health emergencies can suddenly transform joyous occasions. The authorities’ ongoing review will determine if any further actions or guidance are warranted for future weddings and public celebrations, but at this point, officials have not indicated any formal findings beyond the initial medical assessment. The broader public reaction has underscored how social media can swiftly document personal tragedies and connect communities facing similar losses, even across geographic and cultural divides.