One family’s warning about raves after the death of a loved one

MAGNA – A warning from the family of a young woman who died after going to a rave at Saltair this weekend.  They believe these type of events are far too dangerous and someone always seems to end up getting hurt.

The family of Angelina Gonzalez says this was the first, and last, rave she had ever gone to.

Her aunt, Lilia Martinez, says Gonzalez was with her step-sisters and told them she was feeling ill late Saturday/early Sunday.  By the time they were in the shuttle to get to their car, Gonzalez took a turn for the worse.

“Angelina was already foaming at the mouth,” Martinez says.

Gonzalez was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

“Angelina was a very loving person.  She was my niece, a sister and mother.  She leaves behind a three-year-old son,” Martinez states, adding, “She was involved in everything.  She loved work.  She loved spending time with her son.”

Martinez says they want everyone to be aware of the potential dangers that can happen inside a rave.  They don’t believe Gonzalez intended to take anything that night.  Martinez wonders if someone slipped something in her drink.

“Don’t have them at all.  Too many people, every time they have raves, either commit suicide or, mostly, overdose,” she says.

Of course, not everyone attending a rave has any desire to take drugs.  The vast majority come to dance and listen to the music.  However, investigators say drugs like Ecstasy are prevalent in these raves.  Police officers are not allowed to conduct preemptive searches for people attending these parties, but the venue hosting the party can hire private security to search party-goers, but, with thousands of people attending, it’s difficult for security to catch everyone trying to sneak in something.

Officials with the Unified Police Department say they’re waiting for the medical examiner to confirm the cause of death.  The DEA is also investigating this case.