An investigation into the death of a 21-year-old man at the Pemberton Music Festival has concluded that foul play was not a factor.
Regina resident Nick Phongsavath’s body was found inside his tent at the festival campground on Friday evening. His death was initially labelled suspicious, and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called to take conduct of the case.
On Tuesday, Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound confirmed that IHIT was turning the investigation back over to local Mounties.
“As a result of evidence found at the scene, witness statements and the autopsy completed on Nick Phongsavath, it has been determined that foul play is not a contributing factor in his death,” Pound said in a statement.
The cause of death has not been released.
IHIT said Phongsavath’s family has been updated on the investigation, and released a statement on their behalf Tuesday afternoon.
“We would like to thank the IHIT team, the Whistler and Pemberton RCMP, Victim Services, and representatives from the Pemberton Music Festival for allowing us to have closure and supporting us through our journey to Pemberton, our time here, and making it easier for us to deal with this tragedy,” it read.
