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Matthew Lands: Man Found Dead in Tent at Bonnaroo Festival 2009
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by Jarrett Martineau | June 21, 2009 at 03:31 pm
4653 views | 5 Recommendations | 14 comments
UPDATE| June 22, 2009 — A man who was found dead in a tent on the campgrounds of the 2009 Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, Tennessee has been identified as Matthew Lands, a 26-year-old man from Fort Payne.
The cause of Lands' death has not been released, however, toxicology test results are expected in the coming weeks.
Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that the man is 26-year-old Matthew Lands, of Fort Payne, Ala.
Graves said his family was notified early Thursday.
But Graves said preliminary autopsy reports from the Tennessee Medical Examiner’s office in Nashville did not determine a cause of death and there were no signs of any injuries.
The sheriff said results from toxicology tests could take weeks.
Matthew Lands' body was discovered last Tuesday afternoon. The cause of his death is not known although a medical investigation is currently underway.
The popular Bonnaroo music and arts festival began on Thursday, June 11 and wrapped up Sunday, June 14, 2009.
Most of the festival attendees had already left the festival grounds but some clean-up crew remained on site.
Lands' death is the only fatality known to have occurred at the 2009 festival and there appear to be no signs of trauma or foul play involved in his death.
This is the seventh Bonnaroo-related death in the festival's eight year history.
A man's body was found in a one-man tent in one of the campgrounds Tuesday afternoon, according to Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves."All we know is that he was alive yesterday (Monday) at 3 p.m.," said Graves.
While most of the camping festival-goers were already gone, there were dozens of Bonnaroo workers who also camped out, who stayed behind to help with the clean-up.
"We don't know if he was a worker or someone who just lingered," said Graves. "He looked to be in his 20s, maybe late 20s. It's hard to tell."
The sheriff said there appeared to be no sign of trauma to the body and the cause of death would probably be due to drugs or a medical problem.
"We're waiting for the call from Dr. Levy's office," he said. "We should have the preliminary results Wednesday afternoon."
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Leesha (Matt's Mom) (not verified)
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (14)
at 23:41 on June 17th, 2009
Bless him,whoever he is !
at 13:27 on June 18th, 2009
Poor guy...it's so sad to hear news like this, whether drug or medical related no one deserves this. Bonnaroo was amazing and everyone was so nice and friendly, my heart goes out to this man and his family.
at 20:15 on June 19th, 2009
This is so sad, but this happens on occaision at these festivals. Many prayer for this man's family. Maybe Jimmy Fallon did it , he was there.. maybe his writers gave him bad direction as usual... lol, bad joke.
lisa g.
at 13:37 on June 22nd, 2009
Lisa Graham, that is a horrible joke to make. I was friends with Matt, and this is not what a friend wants to see written about their dead friend. Have a heart. Your karma is going to bite you in the ass for saying stuff like that. I hope someone makes a stupid, heartless joke when you die.
at 07:34 on June 23rd, 2009
I filled matt's gas tank the night he left for phish tour. His first show of tour was knoxville. Matt had been living with me in Sioux Falls South Dakota. He was a beautiful person. He was so excited to be on tour again. His favorite band played his favorite song REBA in Knoxville he was so excited. A group of his friends from south D was supposed to meet him at alpine valley. I last spoke with Matt early sunday morning. I ask all of you who love and support music and the jam scene to remember to please take care. Be smart about how you party and be aware of your surroundings. "we're all in this together"! I did not have the opportunity to know matt very long. After staying with us a couple of months he was gonna do tour and then head out west. Matt was a vibrant, kind person. He was a brother and a friend.... Matt, the alpine shows were fantastic, we had 5th row straight out from fish's kit, gordo dropped bombs that u could feel in your chest! We didnt get the Kung you wanted but we got rocked just the same. I didnt know that when I talked to you after the late night set at the roo, that when you said u were goin to bed that it would be for good bro. Well, transitions right? Im sorry I wasnt there to hold your hand and tell you that we love you kid, I hope that you went with peace. I am sure that somewhere down this highway of energy our sparks will cross again. I truly hope so. love and light kid. I will be seein you.
at 06:06 on June 24th, 2009
That is beautiful Adam. It's too bad Matt didn't have a friend like you with him to watch over him at Bonnaroo.
at 09:19 on June 23rd, 2009
Well said, Adam. RIP, dear sweet brother.
at 11:08 on June 23rd, 2009
I think i may have camped next to him at roo, our neighbor who was from AL rarely showed up at his camp and after me and my buddy were done packing up on monday afternoon, his gear was still set untouched, with him nowhere around.
at 15:43 on June 23rd, 2009
Anyone having any information relating to Matt's death please contact me. He was a sweet spirited and loving person and would do anything for anyone. We just need some answers. 770 265 0874 - leesha1960@yahoo.com
Thanks
at 08:05 on June 24th, 2009
Leesha, I know that what you are going through is more difficult than words can express but people are praying for you and your family, Matt's friends and for Matt. I do want you to know that my wife and I met Matt on a few occasions and you can rest assured that you raised a very beautiful person who was probably pleasant to anyone he met on his worst day. God bless you and we are so very sorry for your loss.
at 18:27 on June 25th, 2009
i went to school with matt at harrison high, and was honored to say he was a friend of mine. although we have not spoken for some time, the news of his passing still takes my breath away. Mr. and mrs. lands, we have never meet, but i keep you and your family in my heart and prayers. Your son was a gentel soul, and i feel a true since of loose knowning that i will not bump into your son for some time.
peace be with you.
at 19:38 on June 29th, 2009
Matty was a great guy and a really good friend of mine. I miss him dearly and wish that I could have done something to prevent this. I am not sure its fully hit me yet. I will post again.
at 12:47 on July 13th, 2009
Hello, I've worried about this ever since I heard it. I would like to know what he looked like, please. I was at Bonnaroo, and wondered the name of his camp site, all of it. Thanks. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
at 17:11 on August 3rd, 2009
My prayers go out for him and his family. i have been keeping up with the story since i heard the terrible news. i was there and this is just so tragic. i would love to know the cause of death. i can not find any answers on the net.