The family of a man who died after being found unconscious at a Sydney dance music festival say their lives have been changed forever.
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The man was found unconscious in a tent at the Defqon 1 festival in Penrith shortly after 11pm on Saturday night. His friends and security had tried to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived and he later died at Nepean Hospital, where he was one of 18 punters admitted.
Police arrested 46 people at the rave for drug offences, with two people allegedly caught with 46 pills.
A representative from Defqon.1 organisers said that “At present, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends”.
Defqon.1 music festival at the Sydney worldwide Regatta centre. “He was taken to Nepean Hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later”, a police spokesperson said. While an investigation is still now underway, it has been reported that the death is drug-related.
The death comes after James Munro, 23, died of a suspected ecstasy overdose at the Defqon.1 festival in 2013.
Others arrested were charged with public order and trespass offences.
Officers also stopped a bus bound for the festival, allegedly discovering drugs including MDMA and cannabis on 14 of its 30 passengers.
“So if you’re taking those drugs, just remember they don’t just affect you”, Detective Inspector Grant Healey said.
“But he kept his head on and didn’t turn to drugs or alcohol or anything”.
“These psychoactive drugs are being made in clandestine operations by small producers”, Dr Fisher said.
He said drug checking should be done by health professionals who could educate festival-goers while they waited for the test. If a particular batch was found to be of concern, the news could be flashed onto screens around the stage to warn partygoers.
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But those advocating for drug checking may have a long wait with a spokeswoman for NSW Police telling news.com.au: “The force does not support the issue of “drug testing” in any form, at any venue”.
