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I really hate to hear about someone so young passing like this. I had problems with the medical staff in 09. One of our friends with us is a diabetic. Not sure which kind of but not the poor out of shape kind. He was born with it and is better shape than most anybody.
Anyway after that first night rain left his electronic blood tester broken and he should have had a backup but didn't. He needs to check himself numerous times a day and they didn't have enough for him for the weekend. Luckily he has dealt with it his whole life and kind of tell when he needs a shot but still unacceptable and the fact they gave him a hard time entering centeroo even when he had his needle and medicine out to show them.
I was not happy with the way they handled it and expressed myself in an email to them hoping future diabetics wouldn't have this problem. It's one of the reasons we haven't been back. It's sad that they made no effort to get him what he needed and then you hear about their inadaqacies dealing with people makes me mad.
There is a term in the cycling world called bonking. It means you hit the wall. I have done it once. It was a 60 mile ride in the Lieper's Fork area. I could no longer pedal my bike. A rider came back and helped me. But I never saw it coming.
Got home from 'roo about 1:30am feeling on top of the world because of another amazing Bonnaroo. Signed on to Inforoo and read the horrible news about Yoderoo a little while ago. I am completely blown away and bummed out. Really cant wrap my head around this yet. Any death at Bonnaroo is sad but when it is one of the inforoo family, it just hurts that much more. RIP Chris.
WTF! this is so sad, I am at a loss for words! RIP Chris.
This should not happen! As a collective group called Inforoo, I think we have a bigger voice than we know about and I hope in the next 11 months we use that voice and to make some changes in Bonnaroo. I will voice those ideas in another thread, going to start in The Health Thread Your Mother Wants You To Read.
This is rediculous! If someone as prepared as any member of this board can lose his life at this event, and not just one, but now two, there is a maaaaajor problem. These aren't just overeager kids getting in over their heads. These are experienced Rooers with the best resource available (this board, of course).
I really thought after Matt's death last year, that the board would pull together and demand change for a safer Roo. Shade, water, better trained med staff, etc. But it didn't happen, and now a second Inforooster is gone.
This board has major pull in the festival community and especially with the folks in charge of Roo. It's time to use that pull and demand that the powers that be give a Leno and do something real to protect their customers.
Quoted for truth. We need to put pressure on the organizers to get their shit together. We must demand a better festival. If they refuse to act we can collectively withhold a ton of cash from going to them. Hit them in the pocketbook and watch how fast they change their tune!
I don't know about the Pennsylvania woman but Yodaroo's death was senselessly tragic and entirely preventable.
Let me be the first to say that SuperFly won't get another red cent from me until they address the whole dying problem and outline the steps they will take to fix it. Who's with me? Shall we draw up a petition?
First, let me say how saddened I was to hear of the deaths this year, still can't believe another from our community passed.
Second, I am not a doctor or medical professional. My theory is often we get told to drink water, water, water to stay hydrated. In fact, in such heat and exertion, we can dilute our bodies ability to absorb water within an hour. Your body needs soduim (salt) to absorb water and re-hydrate your body. If you are really hot and notice a salty taste in your mouth or the sweat stains on your clothes look salty, then you need to eat a salt packet or drink some sort of Gatorade quickly. Try to alternate between water and some sort of electrolite drink and it wouldn't hurt to carry a salt packet as well. I've run 4 marathons and they drill this into your head as it is the biggest cause of death to long distance runners, they will actually drink too much water.
I really thought after Matt's death last year, that the board would pull together and demand change for a safer Roo. Shade, water, better trained med staff, etc. But it didn't happen, and now a second Inforooster is gone.
There were a lot more shade areas this year (in the open fields and even near the troo music lounge or whatever it's called now, lots of individual ones that could shade a few people at a time), more hangout/tent areas to relax away from the sun in (wheat thins tent, state farm tent, sports bar tent, etc.), more water areas, and a LOT of notices to stay hydrated and safe from Bonnaroo and bands themselves.
Any time someone passed out at a show I was at.....the Roo staff were there in seconds and bringing them to get help. They were really on point all weekend as far as I'm concerned. The medical treatment those people got after being taken from the show I can't vouch for. But as far as reacting to an emergency situation I thought they were great.
Also, EVERY show I was at had security guys handing out a ton of water bottles to people in between shows. Also had some security guards splashing the front rows with water and stuff.
This is a tragic death, no doubt about it. But we can't take away the fact that Bonnaroo does improve on some important things every year. Maybe it's not the extent that some of us want but it's not like it's the same festival as 2002. There are a lot of changes that are made specifically to address the problems with the heat. I think we all need to keep that in mind. Even if Bonnaroo put a huge shade dome over the entirety of Centeroo and handed out tons of water for free to everybody....that wouldn't immediately eliminate the deaths from Roo.
You put over 100,000 people together and there is bound to be some tragedies......it's just even more terrible when it's someone that most of us grew to know and converse with on here.
I don't know about the Pennsylvania woman but Yodaroo's death was senselessly tragic and entirely preventable.
We don't know the details about this death and his time at the festival so to make a claim that it was preventable (with the idea that Roo is to blame for it.....which is how this post seemed to me) is a little much.
You put over 100,000 people together and there is bound to be some tragedies......it's just even more terrible when it's someone that most of us grew to know and converse with on here.
Hi moderator,
I had something snarky to say to you about this line but then I realized this thread was better left as an expression of grief. Hopefully you do the same.
Passive aggressive much? Just go away dude please for gods sake, your comment is more snarky than none at all, and very inappropriate for this thread.
I don't know about the Pennsylvania woman but Yodaroo's death was senselessly tragic and entirely preventable.
Let me be the first to say that SuperFly won't get another red cent from me until they address the whole dying problem and outline the steps they will take to fix it. Who's with me? Shall we draw up a petition?
You don't know that. He could have had some sort of underlying condition, or other variables that are beyond Bonnaroo's control. Going to Bonnaroo is a strenuous physical activity. If a marathon runner or a cyclist drops dead during a race, you don't blame the person who organized the race. There is shade, water and air conditioned areas to utilize if you make that a priority. I don't mean that to sound cold... I am truly sorry that we lost another inforooster and there can certainly be improvements, but I am not going to blame Bonnaroo. It's a huge logistical undertaking. They cannot be held responsible for the actions and decisions of every single patron. For crying out loud, I clearly saw them tossing cold bottles of water into the front rows of Cold War Kids. That is above and beyond. The few times I was ever up front for a show, I made sure I had a full camelbak.
You have to consider personal responsibility and unknown factors before you start blaming the organizers.
"The whole dying problem?" Please. There are not thousands of people dropping dead every year.
I apologize if my post offended you in some way. It wasn't meant to. I'm very sad to hear this news and was frankly shocked that it was someone I felt I knew. I felt my post was trying to show another side of things on the subject, from my point of view. I think there is definitely room for improvement at Bonnaroo, I just think sometimes people forget that improvements have happened every year.
I don't want this to turn into a big fight with a lot of different posters arguing in this thread. If anyone has a problem with my post please PM me and we can discuss this outside of the thread. Really don't want this becoming a debate/argument. Sorry.
First can I say no one is disputing more shade and water areas were provided...IN CENTEROO. The campgrounds, on the other hand....people were suffering en masse. I think military style large tents with simple fans on either end would not be so much to ask. So a few less vendors have room to hock glass jars. The camping area is where the water and shade were missing most, strictly my opinion. I felt Centeroo was well equipped, although some shade over the areas with lines (comedy tent for example) would have been great... just the campgrounds needed some improvement.
I am saddened to hear of the two deaths, and to know one was our very own Yoderoo is so awful. Thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
This year we did VIP for the first time and I was so grateful for it. I could see Bonnaroo did make an effort to offer more water and shade this year, but I think their changes actually made things worse (the shade over the porta potties seemed to really confuse folks - there would be many potties empty but a line across Centeroo; the lack of the water trailer and just the tent with table made more people wait in the sun, no cool shade when refilling, no respite, no building to use as shade when the sun dropped a bit in the sky...).
Bonnaroo isn't an easy fest - the most prepared can still struggle. Last year I almost passed out at a daytime show & it was my 4th Roo. This year I was pretty bad at Band of Skulls - I had strangers ask me for water from my Camelbak but I had none left to share. Never before did I have strangers beg me for water. Yes for money, smokes, corn, etc. but water? Thursday night felt like Book of Eli to me and I think even prepared folks were overwhelmed by the heat, lack of water, crowds, etc.
I only saw one person pass out and that was in the Gogol mosh pit. We all surrounded him so he wouldnt get trampled and a nice lady gave him some water.
More working water stations would go a long way. I know me and Jeff missed a show waiting in the low pressure water line but I did get a MMJ sticker out of it.
I am terribly saddened to hear about the news of another inforooster passing away. I am from New Orleans, so I've helped donate to Matt's Tree and even bought myself a pair of Carpe DM shoes from Sanuk all in support of a fellow inforooster. I'll do what I can to continue to support any causes to help the lasting memory of a fellow member. I never met either of the 2 gentlemen that have passed away the past 2 years, but knowing that they loved this great festival and knowing that they were generally good natured, loving people is more than enough to warrant being truly heartbroken to hear news like this.
My thoughts and prayers are with this young man's family right now.
That being said, I also did not attend Roo this year, been 2 years removed now, but I attended 5 before that, from 2005-2009. Bonnaroo has simply gotten too big, too hot, and too expensive to warrant going back for me. I always had a wonderful time at Bonnaroo, I truly did, but the immense undertaking that is Bonnaroo is just too much. I'd like to think I'm an experienced festival goer at this point (been to festies in 7 different states now) and Bonnaroo is still far and away the most physically strenuous and grueling 4 days of music and fun you can experience. It's wonderful, but it requires a knowledge, responsibility, and physical fitness that almost no other festival can come close to.
Simply my 2 cents, but I know what I get myself into at Bonnaroo, and I simply choose to continue on with other festivals at this point. I love Roo from the bottom of my heart, but I don't see myself going back unless there are some changes, whether that be the size of the fest, the time of year it is held, the setup of the campground area, the policies regarding entry and exit, whatever it may be.
Bonnaroo really is a very well run festival, but there is always room for improvement, even when something is already working well.
It's very sad to hear about the passing of anyone, let alone someone experienced. I wonder, do you think the festival would have the same issues if it were in mid-May? I know they want to catch the college crowd, but if they did it mid-late May it would still be a bit cooler and after most schools' finals week.
This was my second 'roo and I got mild sunstroke (vomiting, headaches, dizziness). I just played it really safe and was lucky enough to have my boyfriend forcing me to drink water even when I thought I might throw it up. Sad to hear the woman from PA was abandoned by the people she was with (from what I heard). It's hard to speculate, but I think moving the festival to a month sooner COULD (not would as I don't know all the details) have helped prevent one or both deaths.
There was only one time I had to remove myself from the festival so to speak.
We were in line at the water thing by Which. I was fine up until I looked behind me and saw all the people waiting. Then I looked in front of me and saw all of the people. For some reason for the first time ever that got to me. I got really dizzy and hot. I handed my empties to Bonnie and bolted for the tree to sit and put my brain back together.
I was fine after about 20 minutes.
As far as everything else. I really didn't hear about anything until I was home. So sad.
On Sunday night around 9 I think, there were sirens coming from the road outside of Centeroo. I couldn't tell what the vehicles were because of the dust. Anyone else see this and see what they were?
Post by icymountain on Jun 14, 2011 12:53:31 GMT -5
Wow, this is sad. Rock in Peace, Chris; I passed my son a lot of your advice for his first Bonnaroo trip.
You cannot really put the blame for a case of heat exhaustion (firstaid.webmd.com/heat-exhaustion) leading to heatstroke (firstaid.webmd.com/tc/emergency-first-aid-for-heatstroke-topic-overview) on the individual or the venue. I have done the Indy 500 for 30 years and in the earlier days, I might get 4 hours sleep, spend 4-6 hours in the hot, sunny infield drinking nothing but Bud Lite for hydration, not eating because of the effects of other party favors and be no worse for wear. 10 years ago, I darn near ended up in the hospital after a 5 hour stint in the stands, 5 lite beers alternated with 5 waters, and a full lunch of chicken and veggies after a good night's sleep. Luckily, we had an RN in our group who recognized what was coming before it happened as she saw me walking back from the bathroom; she got me in the shade, hosed me down, and poured electrolytes, water and salt in me to replace what I started puking out about 1/2 hour later(screw water, pedialyte is a miracle drug). I had no idea anything was wrong until it was too late; one of the symptoms is altered consciousness, what does that sound like? I've partied harder and in worse conditions before and since, with no ill effects.
My point is, even if you are a veteran, moderating, and prepared for conditions, you can get hit hard, depending on a number of factors including what your nutrition, hydration, health, sleep, stress, and physical outlay were like for the previous week or two, even when conditions aren't atrocious. Just something like a head cold that has been gone for a week can wreak havoc on your next weekend.
Don't trust solely your own judgement or the protection of Big Brother Bonnaroo with this stuff. Go share the experience with good friends who know each other well and watch each other's backs.
I think planting another tree makes a perfect memorial as well as a great place to stand in the shade at Bonnaroo XX.
Post by klimfactor on Jun 14, 2011 13:37:57 GMT -5
Being a six-year 'roo vet, I lurked on here for years before starting to post. I began posting because I discovered neither my friends nor my wife shared my passion for the fest, but the people on here, like Yoderoo, did. Inforoo is such a passionate community - particularly the consistent posters - just like the fest itself turns into a passionate musical community of sorts for four days in June each year. I came home from roo on a natural high on Monday, the memories of Dr. John, Arcade Fire, Black Keys, MMJ, etc., etc. still alive in my ears and in my eyes. Then I found out about Yoderoo, and my heart sank. Rest in peace, young man. My thoughts and prayers also go out to his family and friends during these trying times.
On Sunday night around 9 I think, there were sirens coming from the road outside of Centeroo. I couldn't tell what the vehicles were because of the dust. Anyone else see this and see what they were?
Karen, there were two fire trucks headed in ..in front of the Tower/Matts tree... Don't know where they were headed... they were going full force though with lights and sirens.
On Sunday night around 9 I think, there were sirens coming from the road outside of Centeroo. I couldn't tell what the vehicles were because of the dust. Anyone else see this and see what they were?
Karen, there were two fire trucks headed in ..in front of the Tower/Matts tree... Don't know where they were headed... they were going full force though with lights and sirens.
Outside the grounds, not far east on 24, there was a car engulfed in flames, loaded with someones Bonnaroo gear. No one was in the car, but that may be what happened, it was Sunday night.
Post by bamadancer on Jun 14, 2011 13:54:54 GMT -5
Okay, so I know I don't post much. Been lurking here because I wanted to read about this year's Bonnaroo (I do miss it a little). I haven't been to Bonnaroo in 2 years...went to Wakarusa instead. So sometimes I feel like it's a little awkward for me to express my opinion on the current state of Bonnaroo.
Here are my thoughts. Yes, god it's sad that Yoderoo has died. My thoughts are with him and his family as they go through this rough time. Yes, MUCH MORE can be done to prepare yourself for Bonnaroo. But I get quite tired of everyone endlessly defending this festival when it's becoming quite obvious that they have big cracks in their system. I know more can be done, because I've seen it done other places.
It's a little hard to access what you need to take care of yourself when it is prohibited by the festival. When you have to empty your water bottle on the way in, and have to sit in the sun with no shade for hours on end, stand in long lines for water or to use the bathroom, then you're bound to put people at risk. Many people who are suffering from heat-related illnesses don't know until it's too late that there's a problem. More could be done. More working mist tents. Not having to empty your water. Being able to bring in beach umbrellas and stuff for shade. Building more shade structures. I went to Wakarusa - which is just the week before Bonnaroo - and it was just as hot, and we had all of those things. I don't think I could've survived Wakarusa if I hadn't had those things. I understand that Bonnaroo wants to make money, and that's fine because it's necessary for the festival survive, but at what cost? Is it really worth it to have everyone dump out their camelbaks just so you can sell a few more beers?
On the other hand, if we're talking about personal responsibility here, then I think Bonnaroo has a duty to its patrons to fully inform them of what they're undertaking. Case in point: I'm going to Burning Man this year. It's a week-long festival in the desert where you are completely reliant on yourself, meaning you must bring everything you need to survive in the desert for 7 days. Burning Man is VERY CLEAR that temperatures could exceed 100 degrees, or dip down to 40 degrees at night, and winds could exceed 60 mph and that there are massive dust storms and thunderstorms. They TELL YOU to expect it, be prepared for it, and to bring everything you need to rely on yourself. Nobody dies at Burning Man once a year, which is a way harsher environment. Bonnaroo could do a better job of explaining on their website what the conditions are like and making sure people are ABSOLUTELY clear on taking care of themselves, rather than just telling them "it's hot!" and "Hydrate!" because there's more to it than that.
I guess what I'm getting at here is that yes, personal responsibility is a factor - we could all stand to be a bit more informed on how to stay healthy at events such as these - but it's obvious that Bonnaroo is dropping the ball here on their duty to their patrons. There's a lot of things they could be doing, and aren't.