Riot Fest 2024 Confirms Attendee’s Death, Family Launches GoFundMe Campaign for Support

Tragedy struck Riot Fest 2024 on September 22, and the incident is sparking some conversations online. 58-year-old Stephen Shult suffered a medical emergency at the Chicago-based rock music festival. Sadly, Shult passed away just a few days ago as a result of the injuries sustained at the event.

According to reports, the Arlington Heights native allegedly suffered from a head injury during a “mosh pit” incident that occurred at metal band Slayer’s set. Shortly after the incident, Shult was taken to a local hospital with head trauma. Doctors performed a craniotomy to treat a brain bleed, but Shult unfortunately passed away on October 3.

Shult’s family has spoken out and believes that he may have suffered the fatal injury after being separated from his daughter and a number of other friends during the performance. However, the organizers behind the famed rock music festival claim that Shult actually sustained the injury before Slayer even performed.

View this post on Instagram

The festival organizers behind Riot Fest 2024 released a statement following Shult’s death. They offered condolences to Shult’s loved ones. They also noted that the “health, safety, and well-being” of attendees is of their highest priority.

“The on-site medical team responded to this medical incident, near the Ferris Wheel area, prior to Slayer’s performance,” the statement reads. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing further details.”

Stephen Shult’s Family Launches Donation Page, Festivalgoers Lament Lack of Safety at Festivals in 2024

Shortly after Shult’s death, his daughter Jen Eaton launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the cost of his medical care as well as his funeral services. You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.

In the wake of Shult’s death, attendees of the festival as well as fans of rock music have been discussing concert and festival etiquette online.

“I was at the front bar for Riot Fest for Slayer and the Slayer fans were crushing my ribcage against the bar,” said one commenter on Riot Fest’s post.

“I was in the Slipknot crowd and there was way too many people on top of me,” said another.

It’s not completely clear where Shult was when he sustained the head injury that took his life. But if it occurred during a mosh pit, such conversations are bound to happen. Especially in the wake of crowd-related tragedies like Astro World and the death due to unknown causes of a fan at a Metallica concert back in August.

We wish Shult’s family and loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time. We also encourage those who are able to donate to their GoFundMe page.

Photo via GoFundMe

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.