Metal Anarchy

A metal fan named Steve Shult has sadly passed away after sustaining injuries during this year’s Riot Fest in Chicago, IL. The man was being treated at a nearby hospital upon his death. Previous reports suggested his injuries were related to an incident during Slayer’s reunion set, but organizers have since denied those claims.

A Facebook post that was shared by Shult’s daughter said he was initially in the ICU:

“Thank you everyone for your concern and help. Thanks to you guys, someone from Riot Fest medical team reached out and were able to tell us that he was brought into the hospital.

He was listed under the wrong name as he had no ID. Unfortunately finding him was not the end as he’s in the ICU with a brain bleed and in critical condition.

Thank you again to this wonderful community in helping us find our loved one!”

However, she later confirmed that he had passed:

“It is with a heavy heart that I share this latest update.

Yesterday at 1:48pm we lost our Dad.

His recovering initially was going wonderfully. Over the weekend he began to decline with minor issues but by Tuesday night changes were happening rapidly for the worst. When we arrived Wednesday they suspected he was in a natural coma and had little to no brain activity. We were put in the position to determine the next steps.

After more testing and another day of waiting for those results it was confirmed he would not have any decent quality of life moving forward if he recovered and we collectively as a family, made the decision to let him be at peace. It was the hardest decision my family and I have ever had to make. Once made comfortable and removed from breathing machines he passed very quickly.

We don’t really have all the facts on how this decline happened tho the doctors have some ideas and are still investing. We had been planning for long term care after he began recovering so well. We never thought we would have to plan for this.

I want to thank each and every person who has helped us from the very beginning in this terrible journey. And every person who reached out and showed us love, helped. Thank you all for everything. I’m at a loss for words, this is devastating.”

A close friend also shared some photos on Reddit, along with the below statement:

“He was trampled during Slayer and has been at the ICU at Stroger hospital since Sunday the 22nd of September. He was lucid , moving only the right side of his body and the talking two days ago. Yesterday overnight took a turn for the worst and succumbed to his injuries after 1pm today”

Despite the comments regarding Slayer’s crowd, Riot Fest have since confirmed that those rumors were false:

“Riot Fest Community,

We are heartbroken to share that a festival attendee passed away yesterday. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time.

The health, safety, and well-being of our fans and community have always been our top priority. We are aware of the various speculations surrounding this tragedy, including claims that it may be linked to the Slayer crowd. However, we want to clarify that this is not the case. The on-site medical team responded to this medical incident, near the Ferris Wheel area, prior to Slayer’s performance. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing further details.

We ask our community to come together, support one another, and keep those affected in their thoughts.”