Riot Fest provided a declaration over the weekend break in reaction to the fatality of a 58-year-old follower that was hurt at theSept 20-22 occasion in Chicago’sDouglass Park “We are heartbroken to share that a festival attendee passed away yesterday. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time,” the declaration reviewed of the current death of Stephen Shult from injuries received at the celebration.
“The health, safety, and well-being of our fans and community have always been our top priority. We are aware of the various speculations surrounding this tragedy, including claims that it may be linked to the Slayer crowd,” the declaration proceeded, apparently referencing online reports asserting that Shult was squashed throughout an established by the rate steel band.
“However, we want to clarify that this is not the case. The on-site medical team responded to this medical incident, near the Ferris Wheel area, prior to Slayer’s performance. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing further details,” it wrapped up.
Prior to his death, Shult’s little girl, Jen Eaton, began a GoFundMe to aid spend for the expense of her papa’s therapy, stating that she and her papa participated in the celebration onSept 22 as a “typical father daughter, music festival activity. After separating for the last band, my Father never met up at any of our designated meet up spots and was reported missing. After posting on the Riot Fest FB page for any tips locating him, we were soon able to find him, thanks to that amazing community.”
She stated her papa was after that brought right into the neurology ICU with “head trauma, under the wrong name. By the time we were able to locate him, he had undergone a craniotomy due to brain swelling and a brain bleed. He has since been in the Neuro ICU.” At the moment, Eaton stated medical professionals stayed “hopeful” regarding her papa’s diagnosis.
Then, on Sunday, she introduced her papa’s fatality. “Yesterday at 1:48pm we lost our Dad. His recovery initially was going wonderfully. Over the weekend he began to decline with minor issues but by Tuesday night changes were happening rapidly for the worst. When we arrived Wednesday they suspected he was in a natural coma and had little to no brain activity. We were put in the position to determine the next steps. After more testing and another day of waiting for those results it was confirmed he would not have any decent quality of life moving forward if he recovered and we collectively as a family, made the decision to let him be at peace. It was the hardest decision my family and I have ever had to make. Once made comfortable and removed from breathing machines he passed very quickly.”
This year’s Riot Fest schedule included headliners Fall Out Boy, Beck, Pavement and Slayer, that liquidated the occasion’s last evening. Other acts that did consisted of: The Offspring, the Marley Brothers, Sum 41, Cypress Hill, New Found Glory, NOFX,St Vincent, Spoon, Rob Zombie, Sublime, Tierra Whack and a lot more.
See the declaration from Riot Fest listed below.