18-year-old dies during rave in Downtown Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The coroner's office is investigating what killed a teenager during a dance music show in Downtown Fresno over the weekend.

Eighteen-year-old Debbie Yang of Merced died Saturday after paramedics rushed her away from a rave at the Crest Theater.

Friends suspect she died of a drug overdose.

If she did, she'd be the second person in a year to die like that at shows promoted by the same person, Kailin Hwang.

Fresno City Manager Bruce Rudd said the death will not yet affect a show from the promoter scheduled for October at Chukchansi Park pending an internal investigation.

Stating: "Since this incident wasn't reported to the City and we were unaware of any problems with this promoter, we need time to gather information before making any decisions."

"Meanwhile, we have a signed agreement, and unless facts prove otherwise, we plan to move forward with the event."

Hwang also issued a statement regarding the incident.

"First and foremost, our hearts go out to the friends and family of the young woman that lost her life after attending the event," the statement read. "The health and safety of our fans is our first priority and we take every measure to create a safe environment. We don't condone or tolerate drug use, but the problem here isn't dance music or events in general."

"The impact of drug use in our country extends far beyond what happens at events. It's sad but people's lives are lost daily from drug use that are not related to dance events but nobody is writing about them.

"Banning these events at facilities with ample security and first rate response is not the answer. If we're trying to create a safe and secure environment, sending them back into unregulated environments isn't a step in the right direction."

"We all need to do our part in educating our youth and encourage them to be accountable for their choices. We ask all fans to take care of themselves and look out for one another at all events."