Fuzzy releases statement following Harbourlife tragedy

Fuzzy, organisers of the annual Harbourlife festival in Sydney, has issued a statement following the death of 19-year-old Georgina Bartter, who died in St Vincent’s Hospital emergency department after a reaction to drugs.

A patron who attended Harbourlife yesterday died in hospital last night. A drug overdose or adverse reaction is suspected. At this stage a coroner’s report has not been made so we don’t have further factual information.

Right now our thoughts are with her family – we can hardly imagine the pain and heartbreak they must be feeling, and they have our deepest sympathy.

Harbourlife has been held annually since 2003. It has a fully equipped first aid tent with an emergency doctor, 2 paramedics, 3 first responder medics, 2 supervisors and a communications officer.

The patron collapsed at 4.37pm and event security called event fist aid. A paramedic was there at 4.38, a second at 4.41 and NSW ambulance paramedics were with the patient at 4.45. She was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital.

Police have issued a warning reminding people of the dangers of illegal drugs: “There’s little to no quality control in the production of illicit drugs. Quite simply, you don’t know what you are getting – seeking a synthetic high, could result in a serious injury or death.”

Sydney City Command officers were called to the scene where Bartter collapsed during a raid of the festival. The raid led to 78 arrests for drug related offences.

Fuzzy also run popular dance festivals Listen Out and Field Day.