Heartbroken friends and family pay tribute to Shepparton man after festival death
Just days after the death of Shepparton man Glenn Mcrae, who overdosed at the Strawberry Fields Music Festival in NSW, the 24-year-old’s mother has issued a strong, heartbreaking statement.
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The mother of the young man who died of a drug overdose at the Strawberry Fields music festival has released a strong, heartbreaking statement three days after her son’s death.
Glenn Mcrae, 24, is believed to have taken “a cocktail of drugs” at the electronic music festival in Tocumwal in the Riverina on Sunday morning.
He was taken to the festival’s medical tent 12.15am, before suffering a heart attack and dying about 2am.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mcrae’s mother sent a stern warning to Australian festival-goers.
“Let this be a harsh lesson to everyone,” his mum Susan said in a statement.
“People who use drugs need to pull their head in and get off the gear.
“No one is invincible, it could happen to anyone.”
He has been remembered by grieving friends as a “quality bloke” who was always up for a chat.
Friend Neha Singh posted to social media.
“Today I lost one of my best mates,” she said.
“Glenn you were the most funniest (sic), sweetest person I know.
“You were basically my older brother and because of you we brought a great group of people together.
“Our family isn’t going to be the same without you but we will always cherish the memories we had with you.
“I love you more than you’ll ever know. Rest In Peace.”
Friend Abbey Macklan posted an online tribute.
“Can’t believe this,” she said.
“You were such a quality bloke always up for a chat and a laugh.
“Just can’t believe it was you. Rest In Peace Glenn Mcrae, I’ll miss you. We all will.”
Mc Mcrae recently travelled to Bali with friends and studied at Maroochydore State High School.
The Strawberry Fields music festival said they were “completely devastated” by the news of Mc Mcrae’s overdose.
“We would like to send our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this distressing and terribly sad time,” the statement said.
“We have implemented every single harm minimisation strategy that is legally available to us, run in-depth education campaigns on the dangers of drug use, and worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure we are in the best possible position to prevent and manage an incident like this.
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“However, we cannot control the choices of individual patrons. We are begging people to stop and think about the ramifications of their choices on their family and friends and to stay safe.”
Paramedics at Strawberry Fields also took two other people to hospital, including one patient who needed high-level emergency care onsite by medical teams.
NSW Health said drugs were likely a factor in at least one of the two cases.
At least one patient remains in hospital in a stable condition.