A man has died from a suspected drug overdose at the Stereosonic music festival in Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
The man was treated by paramedics and taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital about 5pm but later died.
Police said initial investigation indicated the man had taken an illicit drug and had a number of pills in his possession.
Police also released a photo of two round pills emblazoned with a dollar sign, identifying them as the pills found in the deceased man’s possession.
They warned other festival-goers that those pills may have been related to his death.
The event organisers posted a statement on their Facebook page confirming the death and warning festival-goers about the risks of illicit drugs.
“Stereosonic is devastated to hear of another loss to drugs,” the statement said.
“We are imploring people to see the dangers of the situation, enjoy the day and please be safe.”
Another man is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a medical episode at the festival.
Police believe he also consumed an illicit substance.
Electronic music culture not to be blamed: advocate
South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services executive officer Michael White does not believe the electronic music culture can be held responsible for the recent drug overdoses.
“I don’t think there’s a cultural problem with that type of music,” he said.
“I think most of our major cultural events are associated with alcohol or other drugs.
“If you’ve been to the Grand Prix, if you’ve been to the AFL, all of those events have an association. Some of them are with alcohol which has a much higher death rate.”
Mr White also said pill testing at music festivals should be considered.
“Whether or not they have a tent where you can go and pick up a pill test and take it away,” he said.
“Whether or not you can pick one up from a site before going or whatever. Whatever works. It could be useful.”
On Friday, police in Adelaide seized 500 grams of methamphetamine that was hidden in a vacuum cleaner — drugs that they believe were bound for Stereosonic.
The Adelaide death comes a week after 25-year-old Sylvia Choi died at the Sydney Stereosonic festival of another suspected overdose.
A 25-year-old man from Punchbowl has since been charged for supplying a prohibited drug to Ms Choi before the festival.
It is alleged the accused, Daniel Dung Huynh, supplied Ms Choi with a tablet and capsule of MDMA.
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This post originally appeared here on ABC News and was republished with full permission.
Top Comments
I wonder whose fault it is?
Surely not their own!
There have always been drugs at music festivals and always will. You are not going to stop that. The difference is that they drugs are potentially more dangerous now that the weed and LSD that people took in the 60's. When I was in the UK, groups of people would go around with drug testing kits and that would let you know if your pill was safe or not. If it was not they told you flat out that it was no good. I agree that testing may not stop people from taking the drugs, but at least they are informed.
And to all the people that are shaking their heads at the people taking drugs. Having a pill is the modern equivalent to dropping some acid while listen to a guitar solo. Everybody has done it.
Also, give these people some agency. They knew what could potentially happen, rolled the dice and lost. I don't think we have lost the next Prime Minister or cure for cancer.
No, "everyone" hasn't done it. I've never taken illegal drugs. Don't care for it at all. I love and appreciate my life and can enjoy myself without the need for illicit substances.
Well good for you. We still need a new approach to tackle this that isn't law enforcement. Prohibition doesn't work.