Authorities in rural Michigan are asking for the public’s help after the body of a newborn infant was discovered inside a portable toilet at a major music festival over the weekend.
The baby, who was less than one month old, was found by a sanitation company worker during a routine maintenance check Sunday morning — the final day of the Electric Forest festival in Rothbury, Michigan, according to Michigan State Police.
Police have not released information about the baby’s sex, the cause of death, or whether anyone connected to the child has been identified.
An autopsy was completed Monday, and Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Agema said investigators would share updates once those results have been reviewed. As of Tuesday, Agema confirmed the death has not been classified as a homicide.
The Electric Forest festival kicked off Thursday and typically brings tens of thousands of people together to enjoy electronic dance music and jam bands. The majority of attendees camp at the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, located near the shores of Lake Michigan. Police indicated the infant’s body was found within the festival’s camping area, and they are actively seeking witnesses or anyone with information that could assist the investigation.
Festival organizers shared the state police announcement on Monday, writing that “it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you.” They echoed law enforcement’s call for help, urging anyone who attended the event to “assist in any way.”
Organizers had not responded to a request for comment as of Tuesday.
