Foul play ruled out in death of Regina student at B.C. music festival

PEMBERTON, B.C. – Foul play has been ruled out in the death of a Regina man at a music festival north of Vancouver.

Staff Sgt. Jennifer Pound of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Tuesday that an autopsy has been done.

“As a result of evidence found at the scene, witness statements and the autopsy completed on Nick Phongsavath, it has been determined that foul play is not a contributing factor in his death,” Pound said.

Nick Phongsavath, 21, was found dead in a tent on festival grounds last Friday, and police described the incident at the Pemberton Music Festival as suspicious.

His family released a statement through IHIT, saying they’re grateful to police, victim services personnel and representatives of the festival for supporting them.

Phongsavath was nearing the completion of a bachelor’s degree in system software engineering at the University of Regina, which is planning a memorial in his honour.

Note to readers: ADDS quotes, dropped word in lead