Fan dies after sustaining injuries at Riot Fest

A fan named Stephen Shult has died after sustaining injuries at Riot Fest in Chicago, which took place in late September. Festival organizers have since issued a statement about the tragedy.

Shult, who was 58, was at the festival with his daughter Jen Eaton, according to a GoFundMe page she organized to help with his medical bills. On September 22nd, the two separated for the final act of the evening. When Shult later failed to show up at any of their meeting points, Eaton reported him missing and posted the news on Riot Fest's Facebook page.

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A member of Riot Fest's medical team alerted Eaton and her family that they had taken Shult to the hospital and he was in the intensive care unit with a brain bleed and was in critical condition. He was reportedly admitted with head trauma and had to undergo a craniotomy.

Eaton wrote in the GoFundMe description that Shult initially recovered well, but his condition then worsened. After over a week in the hospital, Shult unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

“When we arrived on Wednesday they suspected he was in a natural coma with little to no brain activity. We have been empowered to determine next steps,” she wrote. “After further testing and another day of waiting for the results, it was confirmed that he would not have a decent quality of life in the future as he recovered and we as a family made the decision together that we could leave him alone.”

The GoFundMe page now aims to raise funds for Shult's cremation and celebration of life.

Riot Fest have since issued a statement regarding Shult's death, addressing rumors that he died during Slayer's set. The evening was her first performance since November 2019.

The post appears to refer to a Reddit thread shared yesterday afternoon by a person claiming to be a friend of the deceased.

Loudwire extends our condolences to Shult's family and loved ones. Rest in peace.