Michigan State Police are asking for the public’s help after a newborn baby was found dead inside a portable toilet in the camping area of the Electric Forest music festival over the weekend.
The body of the newborn, referred to by investigators as a “neonate,” was discovered Sunday morning during the four-day festival in western Michigan.
According to Michigan State Police, an employee with the portable restroom vendor found the infant while performing routine maintenance on one of the portable toilets in the festival’s camping area.
“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,” the agency said in a statement.
Investigators are now asking anyone who may have seen something unusual or who has information related to the case to come forward.
“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,” Michigan State Police said.
Authorities also urged people to avoid spreading rumors online as the investigation continues.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation and ask that people avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected,” the agency said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan State Police through the department’s tip website.
Festival Organizers Say They Are “Heartbroken”
Organizers of the Electric Forest festival addressed the discovery Sunday night, saying they were devastated by the incident.
“It causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you,” organizers wrote in a statement posted online.
Saying they were “heartbroken,” organizers added that Michigan State Police are continuing to investigate and asked anyone with information to assist authorities.
The annual Electric Forest festival, held in Rothbury, Michigan, is one of the country’s largest electronic music festivals.
The four-day event blends electronic, jam band and dance music performances with immersive art installations and a whimsical forest setting inspired by the folklore of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood.
Festival organizers temporarily shut down activities Sunday evening because of severe weather. The event later resumed and continued into the early hours of Monday.
