UPDATE: No foul play in death at Pemberton Music Festival
By Contributor
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokeperson Jennifer Pound said in a release that it has been determined there was no foul play in the death of 21-year-old Nick Phongsavath of Regina at the Pemberton Music Festival.
IHIT was brought in to investigate the suspicious death July 18.
An autopsy was completed on July 21, 2014 and IHIT investigators have liaised with the family and have updated them on our findings.
“As a result of evidence found at the scene, witness statements and the autopsy completed on Nick Phongsavath, it has been determined that Foul play is not a contributing factor in his death,” says S/Sgt. Jennifer Pound.
This investigation is no longer staying within the IHIT teams and has now been transitioned back to the Sea-to-Sky Detachment.
IHIT has been asked to release the following statement on behalf of the Phongsavath family:
“We would like to thank the IHIT team, the Whistler and Pemberton RCMP, Victim Services, and representatives from the Pemberton Music Festival for allowing us to have closure and supporting us through our journey to Pemberton, our time here, and making it easier for us to deal with this tragedy. We would like to thank all of our friends and family for their continued support and would like to ask the media to respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
IHIT Deployed to Suspicious Death at Pemberton Festival
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has been called in after a male was found deceased inside his tent at the Pemberton Music Festival Friday.
Whistler/Pemberton RCMP along with the BC Ambulance Service attended the music festival after all attempts to revive the victim were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim’s identity has been confirmed at 21-year-old Nick Phongsavath of Regina.
As it appeared that there may be indications of foul play, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called and is currently leading this Suspicious Death investigation.
“IHIT is working closely with the Sea-to-Sky Detachment and have been interviewing witnesses and speaking with event attendees throughout the night,” said S/Sgt Jennifer Pound.
“At this point, there is nothing to confirm or definitively rule out foul play.”
IHIT, along with the Integrated Forensics Identification Service (IFIS) was processing the scene overnight and throughout the day today. The deceased has been removed from the location and the scene will likely be opened this evening. An autopsy will be required to determine the cause of death.
“It is estimated that there are close to 20,000 participants attending this music festival, creating a very dynamic environment for investigators,” Pound explained.
“Whistler/Pemberton RCMP as well as HUKA event organizers have been extremely helpful in assisting IHIT with this investigation.”
IHIT is asking individuals with information about this death, who have not yet spoken with investigators, we are asking you call the IHIT tipline 1-877-551-4448.
