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Death Certificate Filed for Newborn Found at Electric Forest

Published Jul 28, 2026 By Matt White
Death Certificate Filed for Newborn Found at Electric Forest

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TL;DR

A death certificate filed with Oceana County confirms the newborn found dead at Electric Forest in June was a girl, though cause and manner of death are listed as pending. The infant was discovered by cleaning crews on the festival's final day with placenta and umbilical cord still attached, and investigators continue searching for her parents with FBI assistance and a $15,000 reward.

A death certificate filed last week with the Oceana County Clerk's Office confirms that the newborn discovered dead in a portable toilet at Electric Forest last month was a girl. The document offers few answers about the infant's identity or the circumstances of her death, with investigators still searching for her parents.

Certificate Details and Investigation Status

The certificate, filed roughly a month after a cleaning crew found the baby on the final day of the festival at the Double JJ Resort, lists both cause of death and manner of death as "pending." According to WOOD TV8, the NBC affiliate station in Grand Rapids, the certificate estimates the baby's date of death as on or about June 27, the day before workers for the festival's porta-potty vendor reportedly found her with the placenta and umbilical cord still attached.

Her age at death is recorded as one minute. Sixteen fields are marked "unknown," including the identities of the mother and father as well as the infant's race, ancestry and birthplace. Michigan State Police confirmed earlier in July that she was born alive and was viable at birth.

FBI Involvement and Reward Offered

Investigators have not said whether they believe the baby's mother attended the festival or whether the birth happened elsewhere before the body was abandoned in the porta-potty. Detectives continue to field tips since the FBI joined the case and announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the baby's death.

Anyone with information has been asked to submit tips through MichTip, the state police's online reporting system, or by calling 1-855-MICHTIP.

Matt White

Matt White

EDM Source Editor

Reporting on the latest in the electronic dance music community with verified accuracy.

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