A 28-year-old Illinois man was reported missing after attending the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan, and was later found dead off festival grounds, according to Michigan State Police.<\/p>\n
Authorities identified the man as Jerard Jackson. Officials said he was last seen around 10 a.m. Monday after leaving his campsite during the festival weekend.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, Jackson had earlier contacted police to report that a crime had occurred. Law enforcement later determined there was no evidence of a crime connected to his report and documented his information before he left the venue on his own.<\/p>\n
Friends later reported him missing after he failed to return, noting that he had left behind his cellphone and other personal belongings.<\/p>\n
Michigan State Police said they launched a search after receiving the missing person report and were able to trace his cellphone signal to an area outside the festival grounds. During the investigation, authorities located his unoccupied rental vehicle with the keys still inside.<\/p>\n
A search involving K9 units was conducted in the surrounding area, and Jackson was later found deceased in a wooded area near where the vehicle had been discovered.<\/p>\n
Officials said that, based on preliminary findings, they believe he died by suicide, and no foul play is suspected. The case remains under investigation pending a final report from the medical examiner.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not released further details out of respect for the family. Support services remain available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24\/7.<\/p>\n
Friends, family members, and members of the Rothbury festival community continue to mourn his loss and remember him during this difficult time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"