Teen dies from suspected overdose after attending FOMO festival
A young woman died in hospital last night of a suspected drug overdose at the FOMO music festival. The girl, 19, whose identity was not known last night, died in Westmead Hospital after being transported from the festival in Parramatta Park.
The organisers of the Sydney music festival where a teenage girl died from a suspected overdose say they are “proud” of their efforts to discourage drug use over the weekend.
The 19-year-old woman became the fifth person to die this summer after taking an unidentified substance at the FOMO music festival in western Sydney.
FOMO refused to answer questions today but instead released a statement saying “safety and wellbeing of our patrons is at the forefront of every planning decision”.
“Our anti-drug messaging began weeks ahead of the event and continued at the event itself — a message we’re proud to deliver and will continue to do so with unwavering commitment in order to keep our beloved patrons safe,” the statement said.
“FOMO Festival has always been clear that we do not condone the sale, supply or consumption of illicit substances. We are working closely with police on the matter and cannot provide further comment. Our hearts are with the family. Our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends.”
The woman, whose identity was not known last night, died in Westmead Hospital after being transported from the FOMO festival in Parramatta Park.
Her family had been notified.
More than 130 police officers attended the festival, headlined by US rapper Nicki Minaj.
This latest incident brings the total of drug-related deaths at dance festivals to five in the past six months.
A police spokesman last night said there had been 54 drug seizures and two people charged with possession at FOMO before the girl’s death.
Almost 150 people were searched and 27 given court attendance notices.
As well, 24 people were removed from the venue and another 28 were refused entry, mostly because they were intoxicated.
The spokesman said there had been more than 50 drug seizures and two people charged with possession.
The high police presence follows months of public outrage over the number of young people dying at festivals from drug-related issues.
The number of deaths have prompted widespread calls for pill testing to be introduced at dance festivals around the state.
The NSW government has resisted in the absence of any evidence the tests save lives. Yesterday dozens of ticket holders were searched at the gates before being escorted into a gated command zone area near the entrance.
Several more revellers were booted out from the main stage due to incidents including a fight.
Attending the event, Jay Cornell, from Parramatta, said “most people (going to festivals) did the right thing”.
“I just came for a good time with my mates — most people do,” the 21 year old said.
Organisers said measures at the event to ensure the safety of patrons included a medical compound manned by doctors and paramedics, and a “chill out area”.
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