Diplo has responded to a confirmed death at the Maryland leg of the Mad Decent Block Party following what looked to be a spectacular stop in Fort Lauderdale where Australian producer Flume dropped new What So Not material.

The Baltimore Sun first broke the news that 20-year old Tyler Fox Viscardi was rushed to hospital following what is believed to be a drug overdose before sadly passing away. Another teen is said to be currently in critical condition in hospital with no apparent links between the two after falling ill at the event with again, drugs being looked at as the main suspicion.

They were not alone with another reported 20 attendees all being moved to hospital in what is suspected as again drugs as the problem. Officers also arrested three, one for assaulting Police, domestic assault and possession of cannabis with intent to sell. Over 50 citations were also given out for underage drinking meaning Police had their hands full for the day.

After the confirmed death of the 20-year old Diplo responded on Twitter of the impact of such an event.

our hearts go out to everyone impacted by yesterday’s event. we are truly devastated.

— blondre 3000 (@diplo) August 2, 2014

It’s time for festival organisers to re-think their drug strategy with the understanding that theres a good chance drugs will be consumed at their events regardless and should offer testing kits as an alternative to over policing instead and putting the onus on ticket holders who make the parties what they are.  Failure to do so will see the pressure on organisers the following year to prove that they run a safe festival.

It reminded us one a single reported case in the last 12 months in which the Warehouse Project in the UK, following a death instated a government drug testing van for their punters in which party goers can submit the drugs for testing and to check their safety before injecting them.

Although this seems almost alien-like, what if this was the norm and based on the amount and kinds of drugs being tested, roll out more medical information so users can know what to avoid and what to do if symptoms surface.

Would you be comfortable testing your drugs before taking them?

source: Do Androids Dance > Baltimore Sun