The Sunset Music Festival drew thousands of ravers to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa over the holiday weekend, but two people who attended the candy-colored event ended up dying, according to the Hillsborough Medical Examiner's Office.
"We don't want this to happen to other kids," said Julie Vega, whose niece was one of the two. "Our family is just devastated."
Vega said her niece, Katie Bermudez, 21, from Kissimmee, was transported from the event to the hospital on Saturday and died on Monday.
They believe she died from a drug popular among ravers.
"Basically the swelling was so bad that you couldn't even see the lines or the curves that go on your brain," she said. "We were told because of the symptoms she was having, the swelling of the brain, that it is ecstasy or molly."
The other victim was a 22-year-old man from Melbourne who was transported to the hospital on Saturday and died on Sunday, according to the medical examiner. Dr. Mary Mainland said toxicology results are pending.
Tampa Fire Rescue said they transported 57 people from the Sunset Music Festival to the hospital during the two-day event.
Vega said Bermudez was not into drugs or alcohol but likely got caught up in the favorite drug for ravers.
"What they're having out there is not safe and kids think, 'oh, this is not going to happen to me,'" she said. "Kids don't know the symptoms that are actually the bad symptoms when this is going wrong. And her friends probably didn't know and we don't blame anyone."
The promoter for the event sent the following statement:
"The health, safety and welfare of our fans and community is Sunset Music Festival’s first priority and we take every measure to create a safe environment at our events. Any loss of life is a tragedy and we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those affected. Due to the ongoing investigation by the medical examiner’s office, Sunset will not issue additional comments at this time."
Tampa police said they made 25 felony arrests at the festival and eight misdemeanor arrests.
Symptoms of Ecstasy and MDMA Overdose
Ecstasy and MDMA overdose symptoms could begin within 20 minutes of ingestion and can last several hours. Signs of an overdose on ecstasy and MDMA include:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Urinary retention
- Sexual dysfunction
- High blood pressure
- Panic attacks
- Feeling faint
- Loss of consciousness
- Increased body temperature
- Seizures
- Stiffening of muscles
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Paranoia