Shambhala Releases Statement After Crew Member Confirmed Dead in Salmo River Near Venue

A Shambhala crew member was found dead in a river near the event – Shambhala has released a statement mourning the loss.

The crew member has been identified as Steve Shortridge, 43, from Calgary, Alberta. Shortridge has been said to be “wonderful,” “full of love and energy” along with having a “big heart and radiant smile.” Shortridge was a usual attendee of Shambhala who has gone for several years. He was working as a Grove Crew member this year and has formerly been on the Village Crew.

Shortridge was found in the Salmo River adjacent to the festival grounds by divers who were hired by Shambhala to clean up litter. It has been reported that he appeared to have drowned with no foul play suspected. The divers brought Shortridge onto shore and tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead after life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.

Shortridge is pictured above. Shambhala occurred July 20-24 in British Columbia, Canada at the Salma River Ranch. It became apparent that Shortridge was “unreachable” late Saturday night of the festival into Sunday morning.

The statement released from Shambhala announced the tragic loss of Shortridge and confirmed that it was a crew member. The entire Shambhala Music Festival family is in mourning as they have lost someone very close to their hearts who dedicated their time and passion to the festival year after year.

The statement added that Shortridge’s creativity can be seen across the farm in all the special projects he led, particularly at the Village Stage and Grove Stage. The installation at the Grove Stage will remain a reminder of him and his desire to create something deeply special on the farm for all to enjoy.

Shortridge’s death has left a void in the hearts of the Shambhala family and is being felt deeply by everyone. Shambhala stated that their team’s heart goes out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Shambhala is making respect for Shortridge’s family a priority and noted that it will not be releasing any further information regarding the situation.