For many of us, Electric Forest is a place that represents the very best of festival culture.
It’s where strangers become family, where acts of kindness happen daily, and where thousands of people gather to celebrate music, art, and community. That’s what makes the tragedy that unfolded during Electric Forest 2026 so difficult for the dance music community to process.
On July 13, the FBI announced it has joined the Michigan State Police investigation into the death of a newborn infant discovered at Electric Forest and is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The infant was found on the morning of June 28, the festival’s final day, inside a portable restroom located within the campground at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. According to investigators, the discovery was made by a sanitation worker servicing the restroom after the festival.
Michigan State Police later revealed preliminary autopsy findings indicating the newborn was viable and born alive, a development that significantly intensified the investigation. Authorities have not publicly released the infant’s cause of death, and no suspect has been identified.
Joel Bissel | MLive
With the FBI now involved, investigators gain access to additional federal resources and forensic capabilities as they continue working to determine exactly what occurred and identify the individual responsible.
The case has generated widespread discussion throughout the festival community, but authorities continue to urge the public to focus on facts rather than speculation.
In recent days, Michigan State Police addressed a tip involving a woman from the Muskegon area. After conducting interviews and investigative follow-up, officials confirmed she had been eliminated as a suspect. At this time, no suspect has been publicly identified, and the investigation remains active.
As writers who spend our summers immersed in festival culture, we’re accustomed to reporting on career-defining performances, unforgettable moments, and the communities that make events like Electric Forest so special. Stories like this are different.
Beyond the headlines and social media conversations is the reality that a child lost their life. For the family members, investigators, festival staff, and attendees impacted by this tragedy, answers remain elusive.
That’s why law enforcement officials are asking anyone with credible information to come forward. Whether it was something witnessed during the festival, an interaction that seemed unusual, or information that may help investigators establish a timeline, even seemingly minor details could prove important.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Michigan State Police through 855-MICH-TIP or submit a tip directly to the FBI.
The Electric Forest community has always prided itself on looking out for one another. As this investigation continues, authorities hope someone who attended the festival may have information that helps provide answers, accountability, and justice for a newborn whose life ended far too soon.
Stage Hoppers will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.
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