Police: Man’s death at festival in Bethel was accidental overdose

BETHEL — The death of a 35-year-old man at the Firefly Arts Festival in Bethel in July has been ruled an accidental drug overdose, police said in a news release on Thursday.

Vermont State Police identified the man, whose identity had been withheld pending release of medical examiner results, as Ian Denhardt, of Boston. The medical examiner determined the cause of Denhardt’s death was “acute MDA intoxication” and the “manner of death” an accident.

MDA is a recreational “club” drug known for stimulant and psychedelic properties.

Denhardt, an independent software developer, was one of three attendees at the July 11 festival who experienced “medical emergencies” that required attention. Denhardt was escorted by on-site personnel to a First Aid station where he subsequently became unresponsive.

Despite attempts, medical emergency responders were unable to revive him, festival organizers reported.