Death at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival Ruled a Homicide – Second Similar Attack Reported

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The San Francisco Police Department is looking for information into the death of a 23-year-old Canadian backpacker named Audrey Carey who was found dead in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival this weekend, October 2nd through 4th.

The St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec native is thought to have attended the free festival on Friday, October 2nd, and her body was found Saturday, October 3rd near the Golden Gate Park Golf Course at about 9:15 a.m. by a passerby. Police suspect foul play was involved.

“On the morning of October 3, 2015 a passerby called police to check on the well-being of a female who was seen lying face down in Golden Gate Park near Chain of Lakes Drive and John F. Kennedy Drive,” says the San Francisco Police Department media relations unit. “When officers and paramedics responded, they located the victim, identified as 23-year-old Audrey Carey of Quebec, Canada. Carey was declared deceased by paramedics. The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Carey’s death a homicide.”

According to an autopsy report, Audrey suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Upon the news of the death of Audrey Carey, her family released a statement:

“The family of Audrey Carey, who tragically died last Saturday while traveling in the San Francisco area, would like to thank the people who have expressed sympathy and support in the ordeal they are going through. Audrey was a young girl full of life and loved by all. The family now wishes to grieve in privacy and in private, and asked representatives of the media to please respect their will. The family does not want to give interview at the moment and will make no further comment.”

In a separate incident, another female backpacker and festival attendee was hit in the head and rendered unconscious by two attackers who stole her backpack, wallet and keys as she left the festival around 8:30 p.m. Friday (8-2). San Francisco police say it is unclear at the moment if the two incidents are related.

Police are asking anyone who may have known Audrey or come in contact with her during Hardly Strictly Bluegrass to phone them at (415) 575-4444 or text-a-tip to TIP411 and begin the text with SFPD.

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