Michigan state police reported that the body of a neonate—a newborn infant four weeks old or younger—was discovered in a portable bathroom within the camping area of the Electric Forest music festival on Sunday. The festival, a four-day electronic dance music event held in Rothbury, Michigan, was shut down hours early that evening due to severe weather, but resumed into early Monday.
Discovery and Investigation
The infant was found by an employee of the portable bathroom vendor during routine maintenance. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, asking attendees to avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected. "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 Michigan state police statement said.
Festival Organizers Appeal for Help
Electric Forest organizers expressed heartbreak over the incident in a statement posted online Sunday night. "It causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you," they wrote. "Michigan state police continues to investigate this tragic event; if you can assist in any way." The festival, known for blending a Robin Hood-Sherwood Forest theme with psychedelic and dance music, had otherwise been successful, according to the western Michigan music scene publication Locals Spins.
Festival Schedule Affected
The festival originally scheduled to run through Sunday night ended prematurely due to severe weather, with organizers citing safety concerns. The event resumed into early Monday. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the newborn's death.
