POLICE on the Central Coast are seeking witnesses as they continue to investigate the death of a man who took an “unknown substance” at a music festival near Gosford.
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Brisbane Water police were called to the Glenworth Valley site of music festival Lost Paradise about 6pm on December 29. They found a 22-year-old man who was unconscious and receiving treatment from medical staff.
The man, who has been identified as Joshua Tam, could not be revived and died in hospital.
Festival organisers offered their condolences and vowed to co-operate with police inquiries relating to the "drug-free" event.
Investigators have been preparing a report for the information of the coroner, who will determine the circumstances surrounding Mr Tam’s death.
“As part of the investigation police are appealing for anyone who was with Joshua Tam leading up to, or during, the festival to come forward,” police said. “In particular police would like to speak to another patron, specifically, a woman who was with Joshua, when medical staff first responded to his collapse.”
Police said the woman, who is believed to have been an acquaintance of Mr Tam, spoke briefly to the medical staff at the festival and left without leaving her details.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about Mr Tam’s movements before his death to come forward.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Mr Tam’s death comes as the debate over pill testing at music festivals moves to the fore, with the Berejiklian government firmly opposed to allowing the practise in NSW despite overtures from medical groups and the family of a Central Coast teenager who died earlier this month.
Alex Ross-King, 19, died of a suspected fatal dose of an illicit drug at the FOMO Festival in Parramatta.
Her death led the Royal Australasian College of Physicians to write to state leaders.
"In light of the six deaths at festivals in Australia since last September, we urge you to follow the lead of the ACT government in consulting with medical experts to establish pill testing trials,” their letter stated.
A NSW Coroner’s Court directions hearing for five deaths at music festivals, including Mr Tam and Ms Ross-King, is scheduled in Sydney on Tuesday.
