On Monday, Nov. 9, the community of Hudsonville will gather for a solemn funeral honoring the unnamed infant who was found dead in a portable toilet at the Electric Forest Music Festival this summer. The service, scheduled for 11 a.m., will be held at Fair Haven Church and will be open to anyone who wishes to pay respects.
Background and court appointment
Following the tragic discovery on June 28, 2026, Oceana County Probate Court appointed Travis Byrnes as a special fiduciary tasked with arranging a dignified burial for the child. The judge noted that Georgetown Cemetery in Ottawa County was chosen for its accessibility to any family members who might wish to visit the gravesite. A second petitioner, Leroy Strait, suggested Pine Grove Cemetery in Claybanks Township, but the court determined that Byrnes’ plan was the preferable arrangement.
Details of the funeral and burial
The funeral will be conducted at Fair Haven Church in Hudsonville, a local congregation that has opened its doors to the public for this service. After the ceremony, the infant will be interred at Georgetown Cemetery, located in Ottawa County. The Dear Baby Grace website, which is coordinating the event, encourages community members to attend and also invites the submission of letters that will be placed in a sealed box and buried with the child.
Official statements
Judge John Miller, who issued the opinion and order, emphasized that both petitioners presented “thoughtful, appropriate, and commendable arrangements” for the burial. He added that the court found no “wrong choice” among the options and affirmed that the chosen plan best serves the interests of dignity and accessibility.
Investigation status
The infant’s death certificate lists her age as one minute, indicating she was born alive on June 27, 2026, and died shortly thereafter. Michigan State Police autopsy results confirmed that the baby was born alive and medically capable of surviving outside the womb. As of now, the mother of the infant has not been located, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Community response
Local residents have expressed a deep sense of compassion and sorrow, with many planning to attend the service to honor the child’s brief life. The funeral provides an opportunity for the community to come together in prayer and support, reflecting the shared values of faith, family, and compassion that define the region.
For those wishing to attend, the service will begin promptly at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9 at Fair Haven Church, 1230 Main Street, Hudsonville, MI. Additional information about the event and how to submit letters can be found on the Dear Baby Grace website.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
