By Natalia Rueda 
The Baum Festival, considered the most important electronic music event in Colombia, has been held annually since 2015. In 2022, the festival moved to the Corferias fairgrounds, known for its capacity to host more than 40,000 attendees. However, the tragic death of 25-year-old Carlos David Ruiz Molina has generated criticism and questions about the event’s security and prevention measures.
According to reports, Carlos attended the festival with his friends on Friday, May 24, but was lost from them during the exit of the event in the early hours of Saturday, May 25. His friends immediately reported him missing and asked to look for him inside the festival, but their request was denied by the event’s security guards who claimed that no one was inside. It was not until 40 hours later, on the afternoon of May 26, that a security guard found Carlos’ lifeless body in a water tank in one of the festival’s pavilions.
The situation became even more controversial with the statement made by a logistics worker of the festival to Blu Radio, assuring that they had hidden the body from the authorities and the media so as not to affect the second day of the event.
The death of Carlos Ruiz has drawn attention to the security measures implemented at the festival. Attendees have reported a lack of medical attention and have expressed concern about overcrowding and inadequate security at the event.
Forensic Medicine Reports
The cause of Carlos’ death was initially unknown, but a forensic report published by Medicina Legal in Semana magazine revealed that it was the result of drowning by asphyxiation. The report also revealed that there were no signs of violence or homicide. It was also discovered that Carlos had consumed psychoactive substances such as cocaine and tusi as well as alcohol prior to his death.
According to videos that have not yet been made public, Carlos can be seen going through the security filters before jumping into the water tanks. Although his first attempt failed, he managed to climb back up and make a fatal jump.
The death of Carlos David Ruiz Molina has left a deep sense of sadness within the community. The investigation into his death is ongoing and more details are expected to emerge about this tragic incident.
What is the Baum Festival
Nelson Cheo Cubillos, a key figure in the Colombian music scene, is the founder of Baum Festival. His vision and dedication have elevated the festival to one of the most important electronic music events in Colombia and Latin America. Every year, the Baum Festival attracts top DJs and thousands of Techno music lovers.
However, the death of David Ruiz has affected those involved and has highlighted the urgent need to re-evaluate and improve security measures for events of this magnitude, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees at future editions of Baum Festival and similar events throughout the country.