Newborn Found Dead in Portable Toilet at Michigans Electric Forest Festival: Police Investigate
A newborn baby was discovered dead inside a portable toilet on Sunday morning, June 28 2026, at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, Michigan. Michigan State Police confirmed the finding and said the investigation is ongoing. The body was located in the festival’s camping area, where overnight accommodations are situated.
The portable toilet was maintained by a restroom vending company that performs routine checks during the event. An employee reported the infant’s body to Michigan State Police during a scheduled inspection. Police said the discovery occurred before the festival’s final day concluded and that no other individuals were present in the unit at the time.
In a statement posted to X, Michigan State Police asked anyone who was in the area and observed anything unusual—or who has information that may be relevant—to come forward. The agency urged the public to avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected. The statement emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that no evidence has yet linked the incident to criminal activity.
Electric Forest is a four‑day electronic dance music festival that takes place at Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, a village in Grant Township, Oceana County. The 2026 edition ran from Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28. Produced by Madison House Presents and Insomniac Events, the festival features a mix of electronic and jam‑band acts and draws between 40,000 and 50,000 attendees.
The festival has been held annually since 2008, originally under the name Rothbury Festival. It was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. The 2026 event marked the 14th iteration of Electric Forest. Double JJ Resort provides camping facilities and multiple stages for performances.
The discovery of a deceased infant in a portable toilet raises questions about on‑site safety protocols for large festivals. Portable toilets are common at outdoor events and are typically maintained by third‑party vendors. Festival organizers are responsible for ensuring that facilities meet health and safety standards, but the incident does not yet indicate a systemic failure.
Michigan State Police have not released additional details about the cause of death or how the infant came to be in the portable toilet. The investigation is focused on determining the circumstances surrounding the infant’s presence in the unit and whether any other individuals were involved. The police have asked for any relevant information to be submitted through official channels.
The agency has not announced any changes to festival operations or safety measures at this time. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. The incident remains under investigation, and the police have requested that the public refrain from speculation until more information is available.
