Man dies from suspected drug overdose, as Pitch Music & Arts Festival cancelled

A man has died after a suspected drug overdose at a major music festival, which has now been scrapped in the wake of an extreme fire danger warning.

A 23-year-old man has died after a suspected drug overdose at a major music event that was eventually cancelled as an extreme heatwave struck, forcing thousands to evacuate.

The man was flown from the Pitch Music and Arts Festival in Moyston – about 220km west of Melbourne – shortly after 1am on Sunday in a critical condition.

A man has died following a suspected drug overdose at the Pitch Music and Arts Festival.

Emergency crews had initially been called to the event after the man was found unresponsive at the festival on Moyston-Dunkeld Rd.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed the man later died in Alfred Hospital on Sunday morning.

A report will be prepared for the coroner following his death.

Pitch Music and Arts organisers said they were “deeply saddened to learn” one of their patrons had died.

“Our thoughts are with their family and friends,” organisers said in a statement.

“We have our Crowd Care team on site to support patrons and staff, and are committed to providing support services to those who need them.

“We cannot comment further at this time given the necessity to protect the privacy of those affected.”

The man’s death comes as festival organisers announced on Sunday the rest of the event would be cancelled after the Country Fire Authority upgraded its fire danger warning to “extreme” for Monday.

“We encourage everyone on site not to rush, calmly pack-up and depart either this (Sunday) or early (Monday),” a Pitch statement, released on Instagram stated.

The Pitch Music Festival had previously urged ticket holders on Friday night not to go to the festival due to Victoria's heat and fire risk. Picture: Supplied

“For those who have travelled in their own vehicle, please ensure you have a sober and rested driver.

“Our staff are on hand to assist you with any inquiries or with organising your departure.

“We continue to have a police, fire, and medical presence throughout the festival site to support the safety and security of patrons.

“Please remember to stay hydrated, and be patient and calm with staff and each other.”

Additional buses to Ararat are being organised and will commence from 6am on Monday.

Pitch Music and Arts Festival near Ararat has told patrons to evacuate.

It comes after the festival faced scrutiny over mixed messaging about whether the five-day event was going ahead, despite warnings from authorities about the extreme heat and fire danger.

“We have consistently followed the guidance of relevant authorities throughout the entire process,” a Pitch statement read.

“Nobody is in immediate danger.”

“Our top priority right now is to get everyone on site home safely.

“We appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this time.”

Originally published as Man dies from suspected drug overdose, as Pitch Music & Arts Festival cancelled