BROOKLYN, Mich. — Concert promoter Live Nation isn’t responsible for the deaths of three young men who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator while camping at a Michigan music festival in 2021, the state appeals court said.
Victims’ families said the small campsites at Faster Horses contributed to hazardous conditions. But the court, in a 2-1 opinion, said blame doesn’t rest with Live Nation, which managed the weekend country music event.
“Live Nation did not have a common-law duty to monitor plaintiffs’ campsite and discover the risk posed by the generator,” the court said last Friday.
Dawson Brown, 20; William “Richie” Mays Jr., 20; and Kole Sova, 19, died while inside a camper at Michigan International Speedway, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) west of Detroit. Authorities said they likely were asleep when they inhaled carbon monoxide. Two other people survived.
Michigan rules typically call for at least 1,200 square feet (111.5 square meters) per campsite, but the speedway — known as MIS — was allowed to create sites as small as 800 square feet if certain conditions were met, the appeals court noted.
Investigators determined that the generator’s exhaust was vented under the trailer, which apparently allowed noxious fumes to get inside. A carbon monoxide alarm inside the trailer wasn’t working.
There was no dispute that Live Nation distributed information to campers about the use of generators, the appeals court said.
A Lenawee County judge ruled in favor of Live Nation and dismissed it from the lawsuit. The appeals court affirmed that decision.
In a dissent, Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado said a jury should decide the case.
“There are questions regarding whether ‘an average person with ordinary intelligence would have’ recognized the risks posed by this generator,” Maldonado said, citing a Michigan legal precedent.
Live Nation, one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies, has been cleared of liability in the deaths of three campers at a music festival in Michigan. The tragic incident occurred at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, Michigan in 2019, when three individuals were found dead in their tents.
The families of the deceased campers filed a lawsuit against Live Nation, alleging that the company was negligent in providing adequate security and medical services at the festival. However, a federal judge recently ruled in favor of Live Nation, stating that the company did not have a duty to protect the campers from harm.
The ruling has sparked controversy and debate among festival-goers and industry professionals alike. Some argue that Live Nation should be held accountable for the safety of its attendees, while others believe that individuals are responsible for their own well-being at music festivals.
In response to the ruling, Live Nation released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the deceased campers and emphasizing their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees at their events. The company also stated that they will continue to work with local authorities and event organizers to ensure the safety and security of festival-goers.
While Live Nation may have been cleared of liability in this particular case, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures at music festivals. It is crucial for event organizers to have proper security protocols in place, as well as access to medical services in case of emergencies.
As music festivals continue to grow in popularity, it is essential for both attendees and organizers to prioritize safety above all else. By working together to create a secure environment, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of live music in a safe and responsible manner.
