A Detroit youth program leader is in critical condition, two weeks after being found severely injured at a music festival in northern Michigan. Lonn Hartman, 37, was discovered on the morning of July 12, naked and hanging from a tent at the Blissfest festival in Harbor Springs, with deep gashes on his collarbone. He had lost a significant amount of blood and was immediately taken to a hospital.
Friends of Hartman reported that he had sent a troubling text message to a friend hours before the attack, stating he did not feel safe and was not with safe people. As of Thursday, Hartman remains hospitalized, unable to communicate except through blinks and nods. His recovery is ongoing, despite the severity of his injuries.
Some of Hartman's friends have expressed belief that the attack may have been motivated by hate, citing Hartman as a "young Black man" in a "predominantly white area." The Emmet County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, stating it is an active priority. The office confirmed that several items have been collected for forensic examination and that numerous interviews have been conducted, with investigators pursuing additional leads.
Friends have voiced frustration with the pace of the investigation and the lack of public information. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized by a friend to help cover Hartman's medical expenses.
Despite his own condition, Hartman remains concerned about the children he mentors in Detroit. Blissfest released a statement expressing condolences and emphasizing its commitment to festival safety, while acknowledging the response from authorities.