The director of a festival where a man died last month has defended organisers’ actions and said he was ‘‘devastated’’ by the death.
Rainbow Serpent Festival director Frank Venuto issued a statement today after the 34-year-old man’s mother lashed out at festival organisers for making no contact with her after her son’s death.
Adrianna Buccianti said she was disgusted that organisers had ignored the funeral of her son Daniel Buccianti, held in Yarrambat on Friday.
‘‘No acknowledgement, no card, no flowers, no representative,’’ she said.
She said the festival was ‘‘overrun with drugs’’ and should be closed down. Mr Buccianti, who lived in Epping, died around 1.30am on January 29, some hours after ringing his mother and saying he had ‘‘taken some bad acid’’.
Mr Venuto released a statement today saying organisers had wanted to give the family space to grieve, and that they took measures to discourage dangerous behaviour at the festival.
‘‘Everyone involved with the Rainbow Serpent Festival is devastated that this tragedy has happened and our thoughts and condolences go out to Daniel’s family and friends. We are a close-knit, caring community and his passing has been felt through our wider family,’’ the statement said.
‘‘As far as we know the cause of death has not been confirmed and we have assisted the police and coroner with their investigations and await their findings.
‘‘The festival has a significant positive lifestyle program which aims to empower patrons to achieve happiness and fulfilment in their lives and we discourage patrons from engaging in any activity that may put themselves or others at risk. Cars are searched by security as they enter the property and any prohibited items are confiscated.
‘‘Rainbow Serpent Festival considers the safety and care of our patrons of utmost importance. Highly trained first aid and medical professionals are on duty throughout the festival. We work together with police and other authorities to ensure that the environment we provide is as safe as possible.
‘‘We understand that this is an emotional time for family and friends. While there is nothing we can do or say to lessen the sense of loss, we wanted to give the family some space to grieve and it was always our intention to contact them following Daniel’s funeral.’’
Ms Buccianti said today that after police and ambulance officers attended to her son, Rainbow Serpent organisers did not alert festival goers about the tragedy. ‘‘They went two more days without any acknowledgement that a human being had died in their midst,’’ she said.
She said she was awaiting a toxicology report from police and would then seek legal advice about taking further action against the festival organisers.
She said she believed her son, a chef, had bought drugs at the festival.
The loss had been horrific for her family, she said. ‘‘It’s a horror film. It’s insanity, a parent’s worst nightmare.’’
More a hundred people attended the funeral on Friday at Yarrambat.
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