INDIO, CA – An experienced rigger working to set up gear for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival died as the result of a fall on April 6. The worker was said to have worked at the festival since it began 20 years ago. He was identified by the Riverside County coroner’s office as Christopher Griffin, 49, of San Diego.
“Today, Goldenvoice lost a colleague, a friend, a family member,” festival organizer Goldenvoice said in a statement. “Our friend fell while working on a festival stage. It is with heavy hearts and tremendous difficulty that we confirm his passing. He has been with our team for 20 years in the desert and was doing what he loved. He was a hard-working and loving person that cared deeply about his team. As our lead rigger, he was responsible for the countless incredible shows that have been put on at the festival. We will miss him dearly.”
Reports noted that police received the call at about 9:30 a.m., and that the worker had fallen more than 50 feet from a roof structure and had died at the scene. The accident took place at the festival site at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA.
The festival has been held in Indio every year since 1999. The 2019 event’s schedule is planned as a two-weekend event beginning Friday April 12 and ending on Sunday April 21.
