Man arrested at music festival dies in custody
KEMMERER (WNE) — A 38-year-old Utah man died while in custody after he was arrested at the Oyster Ridge Music Festival on Saturday, July 25, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
A press release issued Monday identifies the man as Tyson J. Alvares from Smithfield, Utah.
According to the release, Alvares “was in the process of being booked in the Lincoln County Jail when he collapsed in a holding cell. Detention officers noticed that Alvares was not breathing and started life-saving measures. Despite those efforts, Alvares was not able to be revived.”
The sheriff’s office said Alvares was arrested by the Kemmerer Police Department on charges of possession of a controlled substance, along with disorderly conduct and breach of peace after acting erratically, including spitting on an officer during the interaction.
“Because Alvares had admitted to using a controlled substance, and his behavior was very erratic, he was seen by EMTs and cleared before being transported to the jail.” the release states. Officials said Alvares arrived at the jail at approximately 9:30 p.m. and collapsed at 10:20 p.m.
Per policy, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation was called to investigate the death, the press release states.
Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson told the Gazette on Tuesday that no other information would be released because the incident is under DCI and KPD investigation.
This story was published on July 30, 2026.
Ensure These Stories Are Told
Despite the challenges facing independent local journalism, what sustains us — and fills us with deep gratitude — is the loyal support of readers who believe our communities deserve accurate, trusted, and locally rooted news.
It is no exaggeration to say that we are here because of you. Every story we report, every local issue we follow, every public meeting we cover, and every community voice we lift up is made possible by readers who understand the value of an independent newspaper.
Your support does more than fund articles. It helps protect the independence that allows us to report honestly, ask important questions, and keep our community informed without fear or favor.
If you are able, please consider supporting the News Letter Journal by donating to our Unabridged Fund today. Whether your gift helps cover reporting time, printing costs, video, photography, editing, or distribution, every contribution helps keep local journalism strong in Wyoming.
All gifts are deeply appreciated. Your support helps ensure that local stories continue to be told, local decisions continue to be watched, and local voices continue to be heard.
Thank you for standing with independent community journalism.