Man found dead at Playa del Fuego in Townsend
A 62-year-old man was found dead in his tent at Playa del Fuego, Delaware's version of Burning Man in Townsend, according to state police.
The man was found about 4 p.m. Monday at festival grounds off Fleming Landing Road, prompting the response of local police, said Master Cpl. Jeffrey Hale, a Delaware State Police spokesman.
Hale said no foul play is suspected. A full autopsy and toxicology screening will take place by the state Division of Forensic Science, as is typical of any death investigation. No further details were released by police.
The event organizers posted on Facebook about the death Monday, calling it a "tragic loss" to their community.
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They say that the man was discovered while people were breaking down the camp sites after the five-day festival spanning Columbus Day weekend. Another five-day festival occurs annually at the same location over Memorial Day.
"It is very important for all of us to avoid speculation," the Facebook post reads. "We will release his identity once we’re certain the next of kin have been notified, as well as any additional information we receive. This is a terrible loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Playa del Fuego community."
Board members declined further comment Tuesday.
The event is held on more than 30 acres off Fleming Landing Road. The organization estimated more than 1,200 tickets have been sold in each of the last two years.
News Journal reporter Margie Fishman contributed to this report.
Contact Brittany Horn at (302) 324-2771 or bhorn@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @brittanyhorn.