One Dead, 60 Arrested, Nine Hospitalised At Defqon Dance Festival

A man has died after being found unconscious at the Defqon music festival in western Sydney.

Following Mr Pauljevic’s death, Detective Inspector Grant Healy urged people to listen to the police’s continued warnings over illicit substances. His friends and security had tried to resuscitate him until paramedics arrived and he later died at Nepean Hospital, where he was one of 18 punters admitted.

Mr Pauljevic was found unconscious in a tent at the festival, which was held at the Sydney worldwide Regatta Centre, just after 11pm on Saturday, police said.

Police have now revealed that the man was a 26-year-old from Albury.

His former football coach remembered him as a happy and kind-hearted larrikin, the Telegraph reported.

The festival organiser, Q-dance Australia, said in a statement it was giving the police investigation its full support.

Recognizing both the festival’s zero tolerance drug policy, as well as its willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, Healey also added that “festivals and dance parties aren’t the problem, it’s people making poor adult decisions that are the problem”.

‘Our highest priority during is to create a memorable and above all safe Defqon experience for everyone who comes to party with us… They are appealing for anyone with information to contact Penrith police. While an investigation is still now underway, it has been reported that the death is drug-related.

Police arrested 60 people at the festival: 46 arrests were for drug offences, four of which were for drug supply, with two people allegedly caught with 46 pills, believed to be MDMA.

“Everyone is shocked. They cannot believe it. He was a guy with a big heart, and is going to be sorely missed”, the close friend, who did not want to be identified, said. Other were arrested for trespass and public order offences.