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Michigan State Police said preliminary findings indicate the death of a Black Illinois man found near the Electric Forest festival grounds was a suicide, but his family is disputing that conclusion and raising serious questions about why his friends left without him.
Jerard "Jay" Jackson, 28, rented a truck and drove a group of friends from Illinois to Michigan's Electric Forest festival in Rothbury. After Jackson disappeared, his friends returned to Illinois without him. His body was found June 30.
According to Michigan State Police, Jackson was reported missing on June 29 after leaving the festival grounds. His body was discovered June 30 in a wooded area approximately 150 feet off the Hart-Montague Trail, near where his rental vehicle was located.
Police said Jackson's cellphone and other personal belongings were left behind, while his wallet and keys were found inside the rental vehicle.
On June 29, before he was reported missing, Jackson called troopers to his campsite to report an alleged criminal incident involving a friend. After interviewing those involved, police determined no criminal incident occurred, per Billboard.
Jackson then left the festival grounds alone. Based on preliminary findings, Michigan State Police said it appears Jackson died by suicide and that "there is no indication of foul play." The investigation remains ongoing pending the final report from the medical examiner.
His family is pushing back. According to the Atlanta Black Star, they said Jackson was never diagnosed with any mental health disorder.
The family also noted that Jackson was the only Black person in the group and raised questions about what occurred between his last known sighting and the discovery of his body.
Before his body was found, a friend of Jackson's posted in an Electric Forest Facebook group asking for help locating him, per multiple outlets.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
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