Lost Lands announces the deaths of two festival attendees

With ongoing investigations, we honor the lives lost and offers a somber moment of reflection for the festival community.

Over the weekend, two individuals tragically lost their lives during Lost Lands Music Festival in Thornville, Ohio. The Licking County Sheriff’s Office confirmed both deaths occurred in separate incidents amidst the festival’s 46,000 attendees, casting a somber tone over the otherwise lively event.

The first Lost Lands death involved 34-year-old James Phromphanh, who collapsed near the main stage on Saturday, September 21. According to authorities, Phromphanh was seen suddenly going down during a performance. Medical personnel on-site immediately responded to the emergency, administering care before he was transported to Licking Memorial Health Hospital. Despite their efforts, Phromphanh was pronounced dead at the hospital. Details about the possible cause of his death are still under investigation, with a toxicology report pending.

The second fatality involved a 27-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, whose identity has not yet been released. Witnesses reported that he was preparing to leave the festival with friends when he suddenly became unresponsive. He too received immediate medical attention on-site before being taken to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, despite the medical team’s efforts, he passed away on Monday morning. His cause of death, like Phromphanh’s, is yet to be determined pending the results of a toxicology report.

Chief Deputy Chad Dennis of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office addressed the tragic incidents, offering condolences to the families affected. He noted that, despite the festival’s large crowd, the event had relatively few major issues overall. However, he acknowledged that any loss of life is a devastating outcome for all involved, and authorities will continue to investigate both deaths thoroughly. “No one likes to see that or have that happen,” Dennis said, emphasizing the importance of safety at large-scale events.

In addition to these fatalities, another incident at the festival raised safety concerns. Authorities reported that 24-year-old Noah Curtis allegedly drove his truck over several tents, injuring two individuals. Curtis has since been charged with felonious assault, and the victims were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Lost Lands organizers expressed their deep sadness regarding the tragic losses in an official statement, confirming that both individuals had received on-site medical treatment before being transferred to hospitals. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those who passed,” the statement read. Organizers also affirmed their commitment to safety, emphasizing that the festival works closely with local law enforcement and medical teams to ensure swift responses to emergencies.

The festival, which draws tens of thousands of electronic music fans, is known for its immersive dinosaur-themed atmosphere and performances by top artists in the electronic music scene. While the event typically provides an exciting and enjoyable experience for attendees, these unfortunate incidents have left many reflecting on the importance of safety and preparedness at large gatherings.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Lost Lands deaths, with more information expected once toxicology reports are available. Both the festival and law enforcement urge attendees to be mindful of their well-being and to look out for one another at events of this scale. As the investigation unfolds, the Lost Lands community is united in mourning the loss of two of its own.

Support James Phromphanh’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-james-help-bring-him-home-with-love