Michigan State Police are investigating after a newborn baby was found dead in a portable toilet at the Electric Forest music festival campground in Rothbury, Michigan. The infant was discovered on Sunday morning, June 28, by a staff member performing maintenance at the annual event.
Police Seek Public's Help
In a statement, Michigan State Police said: "The Michigan State Police continue to investigate the discovery of a deceased neonate found Sunday morning in the camping area at the Electric Forest Festival. Investigators are asking for the public's assistance. If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward." The statement added: "We appreciate the public's cooperation and ask that people avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected." No further details about the discovery have been disclosed at this time.
Festival Organizers Express Heartbreak
Electric Forest organizers posted a statement on Instagram: "Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you. Michigan State Police continues to investigate this tragic event if you can assist in any way. HQ is heartbroken and knows that our Forest Family is as well."
Event Details and Weather Evacuation
The four-day event, previously known as the Rothbury Music Festival, ran from Thursday, June 25, to Sunday, June 28, and featured dozens of DJs and artists, including headliners Illenium, Excision, Kaskade, and Chris Lake. It is held annually at the Double JJ resort in Rothbury. Festivalgoers were also evacuated from the event at least once over the weekend due to extreme stormy weather. Revellers were told over the loudspeaker: "Attention in the festival. We are evacuating the festival site due to severe weather. Please seek immediate shelter outside of the festival venue. The festival app will have further updates."
