A man in his 20s has died, and three other people have been hospitalised following this weekend’s hardstyle event, Knockout Festival in Sydney, news.com.au and 7 News reported.
The young man who passed away reportedly suffered a “medical episode” while attending Saturday’s sold-out Knockout Festival.
Paramedics were called to the scene of Hall 5 at the Sydney Showground in Homebush at approximately 11:50 pm. NSW Police confirmed that he couldn’t be revived.
At a press conference on Sunday, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said there was no indication of the man using drugs before his passing.
“We understand he had underlying health issues, and there’s no suggestion of any drug taking,” Webb said.
In a statement to 7 News, a spokesperson for NSW Health extended “sincere condolences” to the man’s family, friends, and those who cared for him at Knockout Festival.
During the press conference, Webb also discussed the hospitalisation of three attendees following Saturday’s festival, citing drug-taking behaviour.
“It’s always risky whenever you take illegal drugs; you never know where they’re made, you don’t know what’s in them, and you don’t know how your body’s going to react,” Webb said.
“So, it comes with a great deal of risk. And I just want people to understand that.”
All three festival-goers remain in hospital in stable condition.
NSW Health said, “NSW Health is committed to working closely with music festival organisers and other stakeholders to support a safe festival industry.
“A range of harm reduction initiatives are in place at festivals, including support and health promotion workers, health messaging, free chilled water, misting fans, chill-out spaces and well-equipped medical services.”
This year’s Knockout Festival hosted up to 60,000 attendees.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Knockout Festival has been marred by tragic news. Two men in their 20s died after last year’s event, with one passing away of a suspected drug overdose. Another nine attendees were taken to the hospital.
In December, NSW will host a much-needed drug summit, where the subject of pill testing is expected to be a hot topic. Victoria has committed to trialling pill testing over the summer after a successful trial at Queensland’s Rabbits Eat Lettuce Festival in April, which “potentially” saw “lives saved.”
