A 36-year-old man tragically died after collapsing during a music festival hosted by the Australian rock group King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard in Colorado, authorities reported.
Chaffee County Coroner Jeff Graff identified the victim as Mathew Gawiak of Denver, according to The Mountain Mail and Ark Valley Voice.
The incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 15, during the opening night of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s Field of Vision festival at Meadow Creek in Buena Vista, Westword reported.
Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich confirmed that a death investigation is ongoing, according to The Mountain Mail.
Regarding the autopsy, Graff told the outlet that toxicology reports may take six to eight weeks to process.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Chaffee County Coroner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
In response to Gawiak’s passing, the band released a statement expressing condolences to his family and friends.
“We are deeply saddened to share that on Friday night a member of our community passed away due to an unexpected medical event despite the best efforts from emergency teams,” the band said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“We send our love and condolences to their family, friends, and all who are impacted by this loss. In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of showing up for one another and are profoundly grateful for the compassion and care shown by so many,” the statement continued.
On the festival’s final night, the band acknowledged Gawiak’s death and performed two songs in his memory.
Gawiak’s wife, Allison Zangle, has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. By Wednesday, Aug. 20, the campaign had raised over $50,000.
“Matt was a loving and beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend,” she wrote on the fundraiser page. “He was the love of my life and my best friend, the kindest, most genuine person I’ve ever met. His passions included playing guitar, camping, skiing, traveling, cooking, live music, and above all else, sharing those experiences with the people he loved.”
Zangle also noted that Gawiak had earned a master’s degree and worked as a geospatial scientist, dedicating his life to bringing happiness to those around him.
“I find some peace knowing that he was surrounded by music and a community that was special to him, and that he was truly happy in the moments before he tragically passed away,” she added.
