Haunting update six years after Michigan, 28, man disappeared at Electric Forest music festival
The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival.
Forensic anthropologists from Western Michigan University confirmed the identification using dental records.
Despite the positive identification, Graves’ cause of death has still not been determined and no signs of foul play have been reported, according to police.
The festival-goer was last seen on July 1, 2018, at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, a rural town in Oceana County about five miles from Lake Michigan.
His remains were found by hunters on Monday in a wooded area close to the festival site on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, where the annual event takes place.
Graves’ wallet, festival wristband and identification were also found with his remains, police confirmed.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement: “Now that we have the positive identification of the remains, at least the family has some certainty as to his whereabouts.
Bouchard added that “the next steps” of the case will hopefully “determine what happened.”
Gary Graves, Kevin’s father, said police informed him on Jan. 1 that investigators were “99 percent certain” the remains were his son’s.
The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival
His remains were found Monday in a wooded area near the festival site by hunters on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, where the annual event takes place.
Gary recalled witnessing an interview with a couple who observed an emotional altercation between Kevin and his girlfriend at the event.
Kevin was reportedly seen crying and walking away from the argument.
After this incident, Kevin disappeared without a trace.
He never returned home, had no access to his bank accounts and his phone remained inactive.
Concerned, his girlfriend filed a missing person report with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2018.
Despite an extensive search involving national and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers and volunteers, Kevin’s remains remained hidden.
In 2023, a billboard with Kevin’s photo near the festival site asked attendees to report information about his disappearance.
Known for its unique blend of electronic music and jam bands, the Electric Forest festival has attracted tens of thousands of music lovers to Rothbury every year since its inception in 2011.
The event, which includes camping and outdoor concerts, will take place at the expansive Double JJ Resort.
Despite an extensive search involving national and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers and volunteers, Kevin had not been found
Despite the somber update, Gary expressed hope that the ongoing investigation will reveal details about what happened to his son.
“I hope they will find something that will help find out what happened to him,” he said.