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Published - Sunday, July 22, 2007

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Second death reported at 10,000 Lakes Music Festival


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DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — A La Crosse man was the second person to die Friday at the 10,000 Lakes Music Festival near Detroit Lakes, authorities said Saturday.

Ian Arvid Mortensen, 24, was found unresponsive at about 5:30 p.m. in a restroom behind the stage area, according to a news release from Becker County Sheriff Tim Gordon. Mortensen was found about 12 hours after the body of an Illinois man was discovered at a campground near the festival.
Mortensen was a 2001 graduate of Winona Senior High School and last fall moved to

La Crosse, where he opened Bluffland Bloom & Brew, a home brewery supply store. A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, he was a partner in a Madison area vineyard.

He is survived by his parents, Arvid and Gaylene Mortensen of Winona.

Gordon said there were

no signs of foul play or indication of trauma in either

case. Autopsies were being conducted in both cases to

pinpoint an exact cause of death.

About 15,000 people attended the four-day music festival, which ended Saturday.

Also Friday, authorities conducted a drug sweep at the festival, seizing nearly $25,000 worth of Ecstasy, heroin, cocaine and mushrooms. About a dozen people were arrested.

The Web site of the 10,000 Lakes Music Festival says no illegal substances are allowed, and that there would be vehicle searches as campers entered festival grounds.
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Joe Katchever wrote on Aug 6, 2007 3:49 PM:

" Arvid, Gaylene, Alia, Dane, and to all of Ian's friends. Just wanted to say I'm sorry for the loss. Some things just make no sense. If there is any way I can help; you know where to find me. "

in re to Nick Schloesser wrote on Aug 3, 2007 2:45 PM:

" There was no "I told you so" occuring in my post. A horrible thing happened and left many hurting. I was trying to remind others in your "community" that it's time to grow up and stop engaging in certain, deadly activities. This is not the time to romantisize this death. If there is a silver lining, it would be for those of you out there to stop this certain behavior. "

matt a wrote on Aug 3, 2007 5:40 AM:

" Though I only encountered Ian briefly on very few occasions, I recognized a spark within him that we can all learn from. A zeal and a willingness to really experience life the good with the bad. Although a tragedy has visited this young man and those that call him their's, we must also recognize the fact that so many of us never truly see the life around us and try to realize the dream that was bred into our soul. That is the greatest sadness, and these things are those that Ian as I knew him never seemed to lack. Rather than caste wayward glances we should take note and strive for the passion, the drive, and the wholehearted belief in our fellows that Ian embodied. "

Adam Voigtlander wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:58 PM:

" To all those who lack intelligence to understand: Ian is a legend. Legends never die. They live on forever in memories and the influences they have on other people. We should celebrate the life he lived and the benevolent way he always carried himself. "

i was their wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:22 AM:

" 2 people died out of 15000. i know it sounds bad. now look at the other event called "WE FEST". more people die at that one. stupid boys fight and knock over port-a-jons. plus with all the reported rapes its not safe for girls. how many are not reported? 10k is safe event. people take care of one another. "

sparky wrote on Jul 27, 2007 1:29 AM:

" I didn't know Ian very well...but the times I encountered him, he was very welcoming and enthusiastic about Bluffland. Nothing short of a pure gentleman. Shame on you people for posting negative comments from your glass houses. My condolences to Ian's family and friends. "

Nick Schloesser wrote on Jul 26, 2007 2:09 PM:

" The time of someones death, especially this close to our mourning, (regardless of the circumstances) is not the time to be self-rightious or condescending and it also is not the time to be shaking your finger saying "I told you so" or "Lesson learned". People need to think about who they are hurting with their comments before they make them in such a blatently disrespectful way. And should you chose to lay into Ian's family and friends in their time of mourning and greif, at least have the honor and decency to post your real name and not hide behind some screen name. Ian will be missed. Thats all I have to say. "

J wrote on Jul 26, 2007 9:51 AM:

" This may sound incredibly insensitive, but if you engage in the kind of drug use this young man was partaking in, you most likely die, leaving your family behind to grieve the loss. I hope this wakes some of you up out there, still going to shows and using way too many drugs. It's time to wake up, grow up, and move on from the lifestyle. You all know it and you all know who you are. "

Drugs? wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:18 PM:

" I didn't read any where in this story that an autopsy was already completed and drugs were found in his system. Indeed he may have been under the influence of illegal substances, but we have no right to decide before the medical examiner performs an autopsy. Ridiculous. "

G. Pizarro wrote on Jul 24, 2007 10:14 AM:

" The only two times I met with Ian was enought to earn my respect, he was visionary and harworking. Our condolences goes to his parents. "

Jenny wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:10 PM:

" Ian moved to La Crosse but a year ago and already had taken over the town. His love for life and love for all people spread like wildfire and I just cannot believe he is gone. I will miss his goofy childness and laughter, his concern for others' well-being, and the inspiration he instilled within himself and EVERYONE he met. He had many plans for his life that I hope will still be put into action through those he knew and worked with. My deep condolences go out to Arvid, Gaylene, Alia, and of course, Dane. Ian may not be here anymore, but his spirit will never die within us. "

concerned wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:52 AM:

" My heart goes out to all of you who will miss him so terribly-especially to his mom and dad. Please use this as an opportunity to recognize that the ease in which a drug can ruin a life-any life. All his friends now look to your own behaviors and in his memory please change how you view the drug use in your own lives. Get help now while you can-as in so many cases you are the only one who knows how badly you need it. Do not let him die in vain... "

D. Reeder wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:54 AM:

" Ian- I can't believe you are gone. We had some amazing times together bud, I will never forget our pilgrimage to Chicago to see DMB. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the mark you left in my life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dustin Reeder "

.... wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:06 AM:

" shouldn't have been doing drugs. "

fellow Winhawk alumni wrote on Jul 22, 2007 9:37 PM:

" My sympathies to Ian's family. I'm so sorry to have read the news. In high school he was very creative and bright; I am sure he has made a great impression on a lot of people's lives. "

Friend wrote on Jul 22, 2007 1:50 PM:

" Ian, you will be missed. There are alot of people who will remember what you have done with your life. May you rest in peace. "

J. wrote on Jul 22, 2007 1:40 PM:

" My condolences to Ian's family and friends. I have only met him a couple times, but could tell he was a kind person with a wonderful soul. "

J wrote on Jul 22, 2007 1:39 PM:

" My condolences to Ian's family and friends. I have only met him a couple times, but could tell he was a kind person with a wonderful soul. "

Friend wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:00 AM:

" Ian was a one of a kind young man. In these times of great sadness and confusion we must remember the free spirited Ian and all the great deeds he accomplished in life. He left us all way too early. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. God bless you Ian and may you rest in peace. "

A friend wrote on Jul 22, 2007 7:18 AM:

" Ian, I can't believe you are gone. Your love for life will live on in all the people who have known you. My heart is breaking. Miss you. "


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