More news this afternoon about the 2011 Electric Daisy Carnival that took place this past weekend at Fair Park in Dallas: The Dallas Morning News and sister paper LA Weekly report that a 22-year-old named Kyle Raymond Haigis died late on Sunday morning after being struck by a tractor-trailer. Haigis, after purchasing and ingesting at the festival a drug that he and his friends believed to be ecstasy, ran into oncoming traffic on U.S. 75 near Sherman after the car taking him home from the festival had pulled over onto the side of the highway in the wake of an in-car struggle that forced the car into park and damaged its transmission.
This news comes four days after 19-year-old Texas A&M University sophomore Andrew James Graf of Argyle was pronounced dead at Baylor University Medical Center after having been transported there from festival grounds. That night, a total of 30 festival attendees were hospitalized due to drug-, alcohol- and heat-related concerns.
Earlier this afternoon, the Morales family of Garden City, Kansas, came forward to share the story of Jesse Morales, a 22-year-old who died of drug complications following last year's inaugural Electric Daisy Carnival at Fair Park.
The news has not been taken lightly by the promoters of the event, Insomniac Events, who, in the wake of Graf's initial death report, have suspended ticket sales for their upcoming event in Houston, Beyond Wonderland, until after this upcoming weekend's three-day Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas is over. That festival starts on Friday.
Later this summer, Insomniac plans on releasing a film of festival performances from various Electric Daisy Carnival events. The film, called The Electric Daisy Carnival Experience, will be broadcast in theaters around the country on Sunday, August 14.
After the jump, read Insomniac's extended press release detailing their precautions, preparations and "strict zero-tolerance policies" for this weekend's Las Vegas-hosted event.
Insomniac Works with Local and National Safety and Security Organizations for
15th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas
Reiterates Strict Zero-Tolerance Policy and Expectation of Adult Responsibility
Las Vegas, Nevada - Over the last several months, Insomniac has worked with numerous local and national security and safety organizations to create a safe and secure environment at this year's 15th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival at Las Vegas Motor Speedway June 24-26, 2011.
"First of all, we will continue our strong 'Zero Tolerance' policy at this year's event," said Pasquale Rotella, CEO and founder of Insomniac. "Anyone in possession of, or who attempts to purchase or sell illegal substances, will be turned over to law enforcement." Rotella continues, "From our very first planning meetings we have worked closely with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Clark County Fire Department, University Medical Center, Medic West, CSC, Staff Pro, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and many others to develop a comprehensive security and safety plan to help ensure the safety of our fans to the utmost of our ability. We encourage all of our attendees to act like adults and take care of themselves and their friends to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time."
"LVMPD has spent extensive time and effort in preparation for the Electric Daisy Carnival," stated Lieutenant Jason Letkiewicz of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "We, in conjunction with other public safety agencies, have developed and exercised a comprehensive plan that is designed to meet a variety of challenges. LVMPD will be staffing the event with a large number of officers, including units from the Mounted Patrol, Bicycle and Enduro officers, undercover narcotics detectives, narcotics trained K-9 units, uniformed officers, Homeland Security Bureau officers, and intelligence support from the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center."
"Insomniac has fulfilled their responsibility to financially support the entire cost of public safety resources for the Electric Daisy Carnival," added Lieutenant Letkiewicz. "Taxpayers will not carry any financial burden for this event."
Among other safety and security steps being taken for the three-day festival, which is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors:
· A state-of-the-art identification screening process to ensure all attendees are 18 or over, along with a multi-stage search process to ensure only approved items are allowed in the festival.
· Las Vegas Metro Police officers will monitor the festival, along with undercover narcotics officers and more than 1000 private security personnel.
· Clark County Fire Department and LVMS Medical Director Dr. Dale Carrisson, DO, MS, FACEP, FACOEP, will oversee medical staff, which will be on-site to assist with any health concerns including physicians, nurses, and beds for treatment each day. The tents will be clearly identifiable
· Festival-goers are encouraged to utilize the EDC's shuttle system for rides to and from the event.
To prepare attendees for the Las Vegas weather:
· Insomniac is regularly updating fans via the Electric Daisy Carnival Web site on the importance and practice of staying hydrated before, during and after the festival. There will be 96 water stations, able to fill containers and water bottles in less than three seconds.
· Five cooling zones, a 140-by-300-foot misting tent, and artwork with water features will be accessible throughout the grounds to control the temperature and offer air-conditioned locations for all attendees.
· Hours of the festival are 8 p.m. - sunrise
Insomniac remains dedicated to its fans by collaborating with the premier safety and medical organizations in the nation in order to create a successful event for all. The organization encourages personal responsibility and looks forward to providing three nights of music, art, and the full festival experience of Electric Daisy Carnival.
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About Insomniac Events
Insomniac produces innovative concerts and music festivals enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting design, large-scale art installations, interactive circus and theatrical performances, and audience participation. Fan safety and the quality of our fans' experience are the company's top priorities. Insomniac's premier annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival, is one of the biggest music festivals in the United States. Insomniac has produced more than 250 music events for more than 2,000,000 concertgoers in California, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Founded by Pasquale Rotella, Insomniac has been based in Los Angeles since it started in 1993.
