Michigan State Police are investigating after the body of a newborn baby was found in a portable toilet at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan. The grim discovery was made by a sanitation worker during routine servicing at approximately 7:50 a.m. on June 28.
Discovery and Initial Findings
The worker, employed by the festival's restroom vending company, found the infant inside the portable toilet. Preliminary reports indicate an umbilical cord and placenta were also present, leading investigators to believe the baby may have been delivered inside the toilet. Police have described the baby as a "neonate," meaning four weeks old or younger, though the exact age and biological sex have not been confirmed.
Autopsy and Investigation Status
An official autopsy has been completed, but results are still being reviewed. The cause of death and precise timeline have not been released, and toxicology results may take time to process. Michigan State Police Lieutenant Pat Agema stated the death has not been classified as a homicide, but that could change based on final medical conclusions. No arrests have been made, and there are no suspects or leads on the mother's identity.
Festival Context and Response
Electric Forest is a multi-day music festival drawing approximately 50,000 attendees annually. The incident occurred in the camping area. Festival organizers expressed being "heartbroken" and urged anyone with information to cooperate with investigators. On social media, they posted: "Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you. Michigan State Police continues to investigate this tragic event if you can assist in any way. HQ is heartbroken and knows that our Forest Family is as well."
Police are appealing to festivalgoers who stayed in camping areas or noticed anything unusual to come forward discreetly.
