Following news of a 26 year old man’s death at Defqon.1 Festival over the weekend, NSW Police have said festival organisers are not to blame.
“Festivals and dance parties aren’t the problem, it’s people making poor adult decisions that are the problem,” Detective Inspector Grant Healey told the ABC. “If you read… what the festival has put out, they tell people… they have got a no drug policy, so it’s adults making really poor adult decisions.”
The man, who NSW Police have confirmed is from Albury, was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where he later died. A coronial investigation is underway to determine if he had taken illegal drugs.
The Defqon.1 website does state the event’s “zero-tolerance drug policy” and organisers stress that their “highest priority during [the event] is to create a memorable and above all safe Defqon.1 experience for everyone who comes to party with us.”
“We want to make you aware that the use of illicit substances carries a range of health risks including the possibility of death, and is strictly forbidden at this event,” it continues.
A spokesperson from Q-Dance Australia told the ABC, the organiser of the festival continued to give its full support to the authorities in their investigation.
“At present, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” the spokesperson said.
“Everyone on our team is deeply shocked and affected by this tragic event.
“Until the NSW Police investigation is completed and respecting the privacy of the family, we cannot make any further statements.”
According to the statement issued by police the man was found unconscious in a tent shortly after 11pm on Sunday. Friends of the man had attempted first aid before the NSW Ambulance Paramedics arrived. Unable to resuscitate him the paramedics took him to Nepean Hospital, where he later died.
Meanwhile police arrested 60 people at the festival, 46 of those being detained for drug offenses, four of those for drug supply. Others arrested were charged with public order and trespass offenses, while nine people were taken to Nepean Hospital by ambulance.
