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Man Steps Up for Dignified Burial of Festival Baby
29 Aug
Summary
- Man offers dignified burial for baby found at Electric Forest.
- Investigation into baby's mother is progressing, officials confident.
- Court hearing held for burial of infant discovered in porta-potty.
A Michigan man, Travis Byrnes, has offered to provide a dignified burial for an infant discovered in a porta-potty at the Electric Forest Music Festival. Testifying in Oceana County Probate Court, Byrnes stated he considers himself a "net under the bridge" to facilitate the burial. This comes as investigators are reportedly making progress in identifying the baby's mother, with the Oceana County prosecutor expressing confidence in their path forward. Forensic genetic genealogy is expected to play a role in the ongoing investigation.
The infant was found on the final day of the festival, with an autopsy determining she lived for only one minute. Probate Court Judge Eric Fox presided over the hearing, considering Byrnes' petition while acknowledging the potential for unknown family members. Byrnes has enlisted a funeral home and a church for the service and interment in Ottawa County. The judge expressed gratitude for Byrnes' compassionate offer, emphasizing its Good Samaritan nature.
