NSW Police Force say a 51-year-old male was found dead at the Strawberry Fields festival near Tocumwal on Sunday, November 19.
Emergency services were called to the festival on Tuppal Rd on Sunday, November 19 at 10.50am.
Murray River Police District officers located the body of the man and established a crime scene.
It was a tragic end to what organisers described as the largest ever edition of the festival, which was held on the banks of the Murray River from November 17 to 19.
Festival-goers flocked to Tocumwal on the Victorian-NSW border for the 14th Strawberry Fields festival, described as a weekend of music, workshops and wellness.
More than 12,000 people attended to see more than 85 artists perform, including Australia’s Barkaa and Pretty Girl, along with international Mercury Music Award-winners Ezra Collective.
It is not the first time a death has been recorded at Strawberry Fields. A 24-year-old Shepparton man died at the festival in 2019.
Festival organisers refused to comment on the latest fatality, saying they were unable to comment because a police investigation was under way.
News of the 51-year-old man’s death meant the festival ended on a tragic note after organisers had earlier been celebrating its growth and success.
“To grow from a festival of 1000 attendees in 2009 to 12,000 patrons in 2023, bringing over $3 million into the local economy each year, is something we are incredibly proud of,” festival director Tara Benney said.
“We are so grateful to the small army of hard-working emergency services, crew and volunteers who help the event run smoothly and keep patrons safe and supported.”
In a media release distributed before news of the death had emerged, organisers said the event had exceeded expectations and felt like a triumphant return after the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s floods saw the festival cancelled.
“A festival of this size is the same as a regional town — we always have learnings and a desire to evolve in a way that positively impacts our patrons, crew and the broader local community,” Ms Benney said.
Ms Benney said festival organisers and police had enjoyed a co-operative relationship in their efforts to ensure a safe weekend.
“NSW police maintained a presence on-site throughout the weekend and worked collaboratively with our team,” she said.
Investigations into the man’s death are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner, but police say the death isn’t believed to be suspicious.