Michigan state police reported that the body of a neonate, defined as a newborn infant aged four weeks or younger, was discovered in a portable bathroom within the camping area of the Electric Forest music festival on Sunday. The festival, held in Rothbury, Michigan, concluded its four-day run earlier than planned due to severe weather, but organizers have shifted focus to aiding the investigation.
Discovery and Investigation
An employee of the portable bathroom vendor found the newborn during routine maintenance. Michigan state police issued a statement urging festivalgoers to come forward with any relevant information. “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 read. Authorities also asked the public to avoid speculation on social media to respect the investigation and those affected.
Festival Organizers Respond
Electric Forest organizers expressed their sorrow in an online statement Sunday night, saying, “It causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you.” They added that they were “heartbroken” and that Michigan state police continue to investigate. The festival, which blends a Robin Hood-Sherwood Forest theme with psychedelic and dance music, had otherwise been successful according to local music scene publication Locals Spins.
Festival Schedule Changes
The four-day event shut down on Sunday night, hours earlier than anticipated, due to severe weather. However, the festival resumed into early Monday. The tragic discovery has cast a shadow over the event, which typically draws thousands of attendees.
