According to Pitchfork, tragedy struck over Memorial Day Weekend at Sunset Music Festival in Tampa, Florida, as two people died after attending the festivities, as well as the hospitalization of nearly 60 people at this ED-centric event.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that a 22-year-old man from Melbourne was sent to the hospital Saturday, and passed away on Sunday, Steve Hegarty of the Tampa police said, and a 21-year woman from Kissimmee was taken to the hospital on Sunday and died on Monday. The individuals are still yet to be identified and the cause of their death is still under investigation, with investigators awaiting toxicology results, Hegarty believing that the deaths “are related to the Sunset Music Festival.”
The two deaths were not the only medical emergency over the weekend that authorities needed to deal with. During the 30,000 attendance dance music festival, 57 people were taken to local hospitals, according to Tampa police. Mayor Bob Buckhorn stated on Tuesday “Obviously, that type of music tends to attract a certain type of fan that engages in certain types of drugs”. The Mayor may have a point, this festival has had a history with drug-related fatalities, with strong connections to MDMA use, also known as ecstasy or Molly.
Sunset organizers released a statement to the press, saying “The health, safety and welfare of our fans and community is Sunset Music Festival’s first priority and we take every measure to create a safe environment at our events. Any loss of life is a tragedy and we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those affected. Due to the ongoing investigation by the medical examiner’s office, Sunset will not issue additional comments at this time.”
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