A Michigan man is in critical condition after a severe attack at the Blissfest Music Festival, leaving him able to communicate only by blinking. Darryl “Lonn” Hartman, 37, suffered major neck injuries during the July 12 incident at the festival in Harbor Springs, according to his family and friends.
Hartman, who was at the festival to perform, was found with two large cuts near his neck outside his tent the morning after he went to bed early, reported The New York Post.
He had lost approximately eight pints of blood and spent over a week in the hospital. Friends claim Hartman identified his attackers by blinking and nodding from his hospital bed, stating they were Caucasian and suggesting the assault may have been a hate crime or a crime of passion.
However, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office stated that current evidence does not indicate the assault was a targeted hate crime or that Hartman's injuries were self-inflicted. Investigators are urging the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues.
Blissfest organizers expressed concern and stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. The festival noted that they have refrained from commenting on unverified claims out of respect for the investigation and those affected.
Hartman is known for mentoring underprivileged children in Detroit. The sheriff's office is asking anyone with firsthand information to contact them via email at [email protected], by calling 231-348-0605, or through the sheriff’s office mobile app.