Darryl “Lonn” Hartman, a performer at Michigan’s Blissfest Music Festival, is recovering after an alleged attack left him with severe neck injuries and initially unable to speak. The case has drawn concern because Hartman’s family believe it may have been a hate crime, while police continue to investigate without releasing further details.

Hartman, who had travelled to perform with his dance partner, was found near his tent the morning after the event with two deep cuts to his neck. More than 5,000 people attended the festival on its 200-acre site, and Hartman reportedly lost almost eight pints of blood; he has since communicated with relatives by blinking. Blissfest said it was cooperating fully with law enforcement, and the sheriff’s office said it remained committed to identifying what happened.