The Pemberton Music Festival may have only just begun in BC, but already the event has been struck by tragedy. An "incident" has occurred at one of the festival campgrounds, according to organizers, and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was brought in Friday night (July 18) to investigate what's being described as a suspicious death.
While the details remain unclear as of press time, a statement from organizers states that RCMP were on site and investigating the death.
According to a report from the Global News, bathrooms and a campsite in the area have been cordoned off by police, with one witness telling the publication that four people were seen taken away in a police car.
Apparently, two dozen tents in the "Founders" campground were cordoned off and festivalgoers are no longer allowed to go inside the area.
"HUKA Entertainment is working with Pemberton Fire Rescue to care for campers who need to be relocated during the police investigation," said festival publicist Teresa Trovato.
The festival, located not far outside Vancouver, runs until Sunday (July 20), featuring musical acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Kendrick Lamar, Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Earl Sweatshirt, Snoop Dogg, Dinosaur Jr., Grimes, Sloan and many more.
Update: A statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirms that the deceased is 21-year old Regina resident Nick Phongsavath. He was found in his tent on Friday, just after 6 p.m., and the suspicious death investigation is still underway. The festival is providing on-site counselling for attendees and staff.
While the details remain unclear as of press time, a statement from organizers states that RCMP were on site and investigating the death.
According to a report from the Global News, bathrooms and a campsite in the area have been cordoned off by police, with one witness telling the publication that four people were seen taken away in a police car.
Apparently, two dozen tents in the "Founders" campground were cordoned off and festivalgoers are no longer allowed to go inside the area.
"HUKA Entertainment is working with Pemberton Fire Rescue to care for campers who need to be relocated during the police investigation," said festival publicist Teresa Trovato.
The festival, located not far outside Vancouver, runs until Sunday (July 20), featuring musical acts such as Nine Inch Nails, Kendrick Lamar, Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Earl Sweatshirt, Snoop Dogg, Dinosaur Jr., Grimes, Sloan and many more.
Update: A statement from the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirms that the deceased is 21-year old Regina resident Nick Phongsavath. He was found in his tent on Friday, just after 6 p.m., and the suspicious death investigation is still underway. The festival is providing on-site counselling for attendees and staff.
