A man who had been reported missing after attending the Electric Forest music festival was found dead in a wooded area of ​​Michigan, in an event that represents the second tragedy recorded during the event in just two days.

The victim was identified as Jerard “Jay” Jackson, 28, of Illinois. He had been last seen on the morning of Monday, June 29, when he left the festival grounds, held in Rothbury, about 60 kilometers northwest of Grand Rapids.

Michigan State Police reported that, based on preliminary evidence, Jackson apparently took his own life and that “there is no indication of criminal action.” However, the investigation continues while they await the final report from the medical examiner.

The young man disappeared after leaving the festival

According to his friends, Jackson disappeared while the rest of the group was sleeping at the camp where they were staying during the festival.

Connor Prettyman, one of his companions, posted a message in an Electric Forest Facebook group asking for help in locating him before he was found dead.

The friend explained that Jackson left all of his belongings at the camp and that before he disappeared, his behavior was different than usual.

“We believe he may have been going through some sort of mental health crisis and wandered off while we were sleeping,” she wrote.

Authorities later located the rental vehicle Jackson was using several miles from the festival. The car was empty and his wallet and keys remained inside.

The body was found around 3.30pm on Tuesday in a wooded area of ​​Rothbury, more than 24 hours after it was last seen.

Friends remember his smile and ask for respect

After hearing the news, family and friends shared farewell messages on social networks, where they described Jackson as a happy and very loved person.

“You never stopped smiling or making this world a better place,” wrote one of his friends.

Another post noted: "You had the most contagious smile in the world. I hope now you can feel how much they loved you."

Amanda Kay, a close friend of Jackson, asked to avoid the spread of unconfirmed information.

"There is a lot of incorrect information circulating. We are all trying to cope with grief," he declared.

Second tragedy during the Electric Forest

Jackson's death occurred just two days after another incident that is also being investigated by authorities.

On Sunday, during routine maintenance, the body of a newborn — described by police as four weeks old or younger — was found inside a portable toilet at the festival.

Authorities continue to investigate that case to determine the causes of death and establish if any crime was involved. They also expressed concern about the health of the mother, whose identity has not been revealed.

Police asked the public to avoid speculation on social media while both investigations remain open.

The Electric Forest 2026 festival brought together more than a hundred artists, including ILLENIUM, Kaskade, GRiZ and The String Cheese Incident, in addition to offering artistic, sports and recreational activities.

If you or someone you know is going through an emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts, in the <a href="/topic/United-States">United States</a> you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day. It also offers chat support through its official website.

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