An employee working in the staging area for the Coachella Music Festival at Indio fell to his death while setting up for the upcoming festival, police spokesman Ben Guitron said Saturday. Christoper Griffin, 49, of San Diego, was found dead when police arrived. CalFire says he fell from a roof.
The hearts of the ESA's membership are broken by the tragic and unnecessary loss of another member of our professional family. The circumstances around today's accident are just beginning to be investigated, but what is certain is the heaviness in our souls and the continuing need to advocate for responsible workplace practices across all segments of the event industry.
This is our call to action. Let us grieve this tragic loss, send our love to all personally affected, and be unrelenting in stressing the importance of awareness and safe work practices. There is no higher responsibility.
Jim Digby, Event Safety Alliance
Coachella weekend 1 begins Friday. Here's hoping everyone stays safe and keeps this man's memory alive, as he gave his life setting up the amazing experience that is Coachella.