This year’s HARD Summer, the first without HARD Events founder Gary Richards and being led solely by Insomniac, was a resounding success. Featuring dozens of in-demand artists and over 73,000 people each day, most people went home with memories for a lifetime.
Unfortunately, some weren’t so lucky. Twenty three individuals were hospitalized over the course of the weekend for various reasons. Most were released, but two young women remain for further treatment. One man, 19-year-old Andrew Cole Click of Tracy, Calif., was taken to a local area hospital and pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday. An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.
Eleven people were also arrested for various charges, most of which were drug offenses.
In a statement to Billboard a spokesperson for the festival said, “It is with great sadness that we have learned a festival attendee has passed away following HARD Summer this weekend. We extend our deepest sympathies to the individual’s loved ones, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts. The health and safety of those who attend our events is HARD’s utmost priority, and we take every measure to create a safe and enjoyable environment. We have no further information at this time, but we encourage the community to come together, support each other, and always look out for one another in light of this tragedy.”
Insomniac worked hard to provide enough shade and water this year in anticipation of temperatures in the high 90s reaching into the low 100s. Multiple shaded areas were provided along with a long, shaded corridor supplied with misters along the way from the main stage to the second stage on the other side of the venue.
Insomniac’s next major festival is Nocturnal Wonderland, September 14-15. Tickets are still available here.
Photo via HARD Summer
