Key Takeaways
- Michigan State Police found the body of Jerard Jackson, a 28-year-old Illinois man reported missing after this year’s Electric Forest Festival.
- Jackson's body was discovered near his rental car in a wooded area close to the festival grounds.
- No foul play is suspected; police are investigating the incident and the death of an infant found at the event.
Michigan State Police have reported that the body of Jerard Jackson, a 28-year-old man from Illinois who was reported missing after this year’s Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan, has been discovered. Jackson's disappearance was first reported on June 29, following his departure from the festival grounds.
According to the statement from the MSP Sixth District, state troopers initially responded to Jackson's campsite after he had reportedly experienced an unspecified criminal incident involving a friend. After conducting an investigation and interviewing all involved parties, it was determined that there was no incident at the festival, and Jackson left shortly thereafter.
The body of Jerard Jackson was found in a wooded area near his parked rental car, with personal items such as his wallet and keys inside the vehicle. Troopers noted that he had left behind his cellphone and other belongings, suggesting a hurried departure from the event.
In addition to the death of Jerard Jackson, Michigan State Police are also investigating the discovery of a newborn baby's body in a portable toilet on the festival grounds during its final day. The incident occurred four days after the Electric Forest Festival concluded, which featured performances by artists such as Shpongle, Kaskade, and Bob Moses.
The body of the infant was found on June 28 by a worker with the restroom vending company in the Good Life camping area. As of press time, no arrests have been made in connection with either incident, and investigators are awaiting a medical examiner's final report to determine the cause of death for the baby.
The festival drew an estimated 50,000 people over its four-day run, making it one of the largest electronic music gatherings in the region. Despite the large attendance, no suspects or witnesses have been identified by police as of yet.
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