Spotify executive among those killed in Stockholm truck attack

A Spotify executive was among those killed during an attack in Stockholm on Friday, CEO Daniel Ek has confirmed. Chris Bevington, who had worked at Spotify for five years and served as its director of global partnerships and business development, was hit by a truck driven deliberately into pedestrians while walking in one of Stockholm’s shopping areas.

Ek paid tribute to the British-born Bevington via Facebook, saying that as a member of “our band,” he had a great impact on “not just the business but on everyone who had the privilege to know and work with him.”

Bevington was one of four killed in Friday’s attack, which police currently believe was perpetrated by a 39-year-old from Uzbekistan who was set to be deported. The violence prompted a reported 20,000 people to take to the Stockholm streets as part of a “Lovefest” vigil, attended also by politicians, artists, and musicians emphasizing peace and tolerance. “We shall think of the kindness and openness that characterises our city,” Stockholm mayor Karin Wanngard said. “That is what we’re going to build on.”

The Spotify CEO made mention of the vigil in his post, saying that “the only light in this deeply tragic moment is the outpouring of love, compassion and solidarity that we have seen from everyone.” Ek said that the spontaneous outpouring was a fitting tribute to his friend, saying that it was “exactly the kind of person Chris was as well.”