Man Found Dead In Wooded Area After Leaving MI Music Festival: Police

ROTHBURY, MI — Police believe a 28-year-old Illinois man took his own life after leaving the Electric Forest festival in west Michigan over the weekend.

Jerard R. Jackson was found dead in a wooded area near the festival grounds in Rothbury on Monday, according to Michigan State Police.

Jackson had been last seen leaving the festival site at 10 a.m. Monday, leaving his cellphone and belongings behind, according to police.

Earlier that day, police said troopers were called to Jackson's campsite after he reported a crime involving a friend. Troopers investigated the site and found no evidence supporting a crime, according to police.

Troopers then found a rented vehicle that Jackson had been driving in the Rothbury area. They found Jackson's wallet and keys inside, according to police.

Shortly later, troopers found Jackson's body in a wooded area near the vehicle, according to police.

Investigators did not find any evidence of foul play and believe Jackson took his own life, according to police.

Police were still waiting for a final autopsy report from the medical examiner.

Anyone struggling or suffering a mental-health crisis to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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