Michigan Police Launch Investigation After Infant Found Dead at Music Festival
Michigan State Police are investigating after the body of a newborn was discovered inside a portable restroom at the Electric Forest music festival on Sunday morning, the final day of the four-day event.
The discovery was made by an employee of a restroom vending company during routine maintenance in the camping area of the festival, which is held annually at Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan, about 60 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. Police described the deceased as a neonate — a term for an infant 4 weeks old or younger.
What Authorities Know
Michigan State Police confirmed the discovery in a statement Sunday and said the investigation is ongoing. No suspect has been identified and no arrests have been made. Authorities said there is no known threat to the public.
Police are asking for the public's help. "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 agency said in a statement posted on X.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan State Police's West Michigan post or submit a tip through the agency's online reporting system.
The Festival Responds
Electric Forest organizers addressed the discovery in a statement to attendees Sunday evening. "Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you," the festival wrote on social media. "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."
About Electric Forest
Electric Forest is an annual four-day music festival focused primarily on EDM and jam bands, drawing an estimated 50,000 attendees to rural western Michigan each year. This year's event, the festival's 14th, ran from Thursday through Sunday. The festival contracts with Michigan State Police to assist with security operations during the event.
Michigan's Safe Haven Law
Michigan, like all 50 states, has a safe haven law that allows a parent to surrender a newborn no more than 72 hours old — anonymously and without fear of prosecution — to any hospital, fire station, police station or on-duty emergency service provider. No questions are required to be asked and no criminal charges can be filed against a parent who surrenders a baby under the law.
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