Insomniac staff member dies during EDC Orlando construction

A Tragic accident claims a stagehand’s life as EDC Orlando setup begins.

A tragic accident claimed the life of a stagehand the week of Halloween, as preparations were underway for the EDC Orlando, at Camping World Stadium. The popular electronic music festival, produced by Insomniac, has attracted tens of thousands of fans annually, bringing in world-class DJs and immersive stage setups. This year’s excitement, however, was marred by the heartbreaking loss of a crew member in a fatal incident that remains under investigation.

The Orlando Police Department responded to an emergency call from Camping World Stadium at 3:00 p.m. on October 30. Officers arrived on-site shortly afterward and have since launched an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident. A statement from the department shared that a “death investigation” is currently active, but details about the cause of the incident or the specific events leading up to it have not been disclosed. Authorities are working to notify the individual’s family and next of kin, and no personal information about the deceased has been released.

Insomniac, the festival’s organizer, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss in a statement provided to EDM Identity, saying, “We are heartbroken to confirm the loss of a beloved stagehand following a tragic accident during the event setup. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and fellow crew members.” Insomniac CEO Pasquale Rotella emphasized that the team’s commitment to safety is unwavering and pledged to support all affected by the tragedy. “We honor their contributions to our team and are committed to supporting everyone through this difficult time. Safety remains our highest priority, and we are working closely with authorities during their investigation. We grieve alongside our festival family and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our team members.”

This devastating event has cast a somber tone over the excitement building around EDC Orlando, which is set to run from November 8-10, 2024. The festival, which has grown considerably in popularity since its debut at Tinker Field in 2011, attracted 300,000 attendees last year alone, more than doubling the attendance from 2022. Known for its immersive environments and large-scale stage designs, EDC Orlando has become one of the leading events in Insomniac’s Electric Daisy Carnival series, with its flagship festival taking place in Las Vegas each year.

As preparations for EDC Orlando continue, the festival community has expressed an outpouring of support for the fallen stagehand, whose identity remains private. Many have taken to social media to share messages of condolence and solidarity with the crew, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that go into producing such a large-scale event. Insomniac has reiterated its commitment to stringent safety protocols to protect its staff and festival-goers alike and is fully cooperating with law enforcement to help determine the cause of the accident.

The passing of the crew member serves as a stark reminder of the inherent challenges involved in setting up these massive events, which rely on the work of countless individuals behind the scenes. While the accident remains under investigation, Insomniac’s festival family grieves the loss of a valued team member, whose dedication and contributions were central to the event’s production.