Daisy Phillipson
A man tragically died at Download Festival after being taken from the crowd by medical staff just before Iron Maiden started their headline set.
Emergency services saw to the man, who hasn't been named, after he fell ill in the main arena just before 9pm on Saturday (11 June).
Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, he sadly passed away from causes unknown at the time of writing.
Leicestershire Police confirmed the news and said it is currently investigating the incident, which unfolded at the Donington Park event.
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A spokesperson for the force said in a statement: "We can confirm the death of a man who had been attending the Download Festival in Castle Donington at the weekend.
"The man became unwell at the festival on Saturday evening (11 June) and was taken to the Derby Royal Infirmary where he sadly died.
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries remain ongoing."
Eyewitnesses have described the moment the man was carried out by medics as the band kicked off their set.
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Speaking to LeicestershireLive, one said: "It happened just before Iron Maiden came on and noticed people were shouting and then paramedics were going back and forth to help whoever it was.
"It was during the first song that they were taken away. I don’t think many people realised what was happening at first."
The tragic news arrives just hours after another incident involving a festival-goer at the rock music event.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance were called to the scene following reports of a medical emergency.
Although there's no confirmation as to the person's condition, the outlet suggests they became unwell in the campsite.
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An EMAS spokesperson said: “We received a call at 12.49pm on Saturday 11 June to Castle Donington, Leicestershire, to assist with a medical emergency.
"The air ambulance was in attendance and assisted medical teams on site."
LADbible has contacted Leicestershire Police and the EMAS for further comment.
Download Festival is one of the UK's leading rock events, involving performances from major alternative bands and acts over the course of three days.
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Friday, 10 June, marked the first full day of music, attracting thousands of music fans from across the world who had been waiting for the festival to return following the pandemic.
As well as Iron Maiden, this year's headline acts included Kiss and Biffy Clyro.