Lead rigger dies during Coachella 2019 set-up

A 20-year veteran of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has lost his life as a result of an accident during set-up on Saturday (6 April).

The man, the festival’s lead rigger, fell to his death at the festival site in Indio, California, according to the Indio police department.

He was found dead when police arrived at 9.30am local time, reports CNN.

Paying tribute to the rigger, a statement from festival promoter Goldenvoice reads: “Today, Goldenvoice lost a colleague, a friend, a family member. Our friend fell while working on a festival stage. It is with heavy hearts and tremendous difficulty that we confirm his passing.

:Today Goldenvoice lost a colleague, a friend, a family member”

“He has been with our team for 20 years in the desert and was doing what he loved. He was a hard-working and loving person that cared deeply about his team.

“As our lead rigger, he was responsible for the countless incredible shows that have been put on at the festival. We will miss him dearly.”

Coachella 2019 begins this Friday, 12 April, with weekend one running until Sunday 14th. Weekend two takes place from 19 to 21 April. Tickets for the 125,000-capacity event, headlined by Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande and Tame Impala, sold out in under 40 minutes.

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