Ultra Security Guard Remains Hospitalized After Being Trampled by Gate Crashers

The security guard trampled by a crowd at this year's Ultra Music Festival continues to fight for her life amid calls from city officials to shut down the popular Downtown Miami event.

Twenty-eight-year-old Erica Mack remains unconscious at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she is listed in critical condition. Police said, however, that she is no longer on a ventilator and is able to breathe on her own.

As tens of thousands of revelers gathered at Bayfront Park for the electronic music showcase's third and final day, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said he will do everything in his power to ensure Ultra does not return to Downtown Miami. "It's time to say goodbye," he said. "We are bringing a resolution to the City Commission. If approved, the city will deny the permits for next year. We'd rather take quality of life instead of money."

Miami Police Lt. Dan Kerr, vice president of the Miami Fraternal Order of Police, said this was an unfortunate incident caused by people who were not ticket holders. "People without tickets, they're going to pick the weakest spot [to enter the venue]," he said.

Regalado placed the blame squarely on the festival's organizers. "This is not an accident," he said. "This is something that could have been avoided. The promoters need to have all the measures for securing the perimeter, and they didn't."

On Sunday, a spokesperson for Ultra issued the following statement:

"The event organizers of Ultra Music Festival share the sentiments of our security partner, CSC, with regard to the condition of Erica Mack, the security guard currently receiving treatment at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The Ultra Family hopes for a swift and full recovery.

The event organizers prohibit any form of unlawful entry in to the event grounds. Preliminary investigations show that the incident was caused by individuals not in possession of event tickets and who were determined to gain unauthorized entry.

Kerr said it's possible for Ultra to retain Bayfront Park as its venue, but organizers need to make significant adjustments. "They just have to make sure it's done correctly in the future," he said.

Miami Police continue investigating, reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses, some people arrested.