Portland, Oregon – The families of Seattle couple Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz, killed in a shooting at the 2023 Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge EDM festival in Washington, have taken legal action. They filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Live Nation and security companies at the event, alleging negligence in security protocols. The incident resulted in the death of the couple and injuries to three others.
The lawsuit, filed on April 10, accuses Live Nation of failing to prioritize security at the concert, leading to the tragic shooting. Escamilla and Ruiz’s families released a joint statement expressing their hope that the lawsuit would hold Live Nation accountable for the preventable deaths of their loved ones. According to them, the loss of Brandy and Josilyn has left their families shattered, emphasizing that such tragedies should never occur at music events.
The shooting took place on June 17, 2023, when James Kelly, an active-duty member of the U.S. Army and concert attendee, opened fire at the festival campgrounds. Court documents revealed that Kelly claimed to have hallucinated after consuming psychedelic mushrooms, which may have influenced his actions. The chaotic event resulted in fatalities and injuries, leaving the community in shock.
Kelly pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and assault, in the aftermath of the shooting. The plaintiff’s attorneys alleged that Live Nation failed to address Kelly’s suspicious behavior and drug use before the incident, highlighting the company’s lack of intervention in preventing the tragedy. The lawsuit contended that Live Nation’s negligence in enforcing safety policies ultimately cost the lives of Brandy and Josilyn.
The legal action also cited Live Nation’s history of inadequate security practices, pointing to previous incidents involving drugs and weapons at the venue. The families of the victims expressed their profound grief over the loss of their loved ones, lamenting the missed opportunities to create lasting memories together. They urged for improved safety measures at concerts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
KOIN 6 News sought a response from Live Nation regarding the lawsuit but has not received a comment yet. The case underscores the importance of stringent security measures at large events to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. As the legal proceedings unfold, the families of Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz continue to seek justice and accountability for the devastating loss they have endured.