HEBER CITY — Officials are investigating another death at Rainbow Family Gathering in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Sunday morning, law enforcement identified the deceased as 68-year-old Timothy R. Gillespie, of Texas, according to a news release from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office.

Friends of Gillespie told police they saw the man retire for the day around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, but were concerned the following morning when they did not see him come out of his tent.

“The friends said they entered the tent to check on Gillespie at about 7:30 a.m. and found him deceased on his bed,” states the news release.

Wasatch County Chief Deputy Jared Rigby said there didn’t seem to be any signs of foul play.

Similarly, 39-year-old Susan M. Wilkinson, of New Hampshire, died in her sleep June 15.

“It’s a difficult thing to say why these deaths are occurring. However, we’re concerned that it’s possibly drug- or alcohol-related,” Rigby said. “It’s still being investigated, but (drugs/alcohol) may play a part in either of the recent deaths.”

Some individuals that come to the event are known to be in poor health, and “coming into the mountains from out of state could be an issue,” Rigby told the Standard-Examiner. “We can’t say for sure that applies, but it’s a factor discussed.”

Last Monday, police responded to a stabbing at the Rainbow Gathering.

Officials say Neil Sparling, 45, had been stabbed “multiple times” by Lelilani M. Novak-Garcia, of New Mexico. He was released from the hospital several days ago without undergoing any major surgeries.

Sparling has returned to the gathering in Heber, Rigby said.

Novak-Garcia was booked into the Wasatch County Jail at $20,000 cash-only bail. She has since appeared before Judge Steven Hansen in 4th District Court, where there have been some discussion from the prosecutor “about one or two other potential victims that had been injured during same incident,” Rigby said.

No other court dates have been set.

In past years, the biannual event has gathered 10,000 to 20,000 people. Currently, 2,500 people are in attendance, most of whom are from out of state, Rigby said. The official gathering will be held Tuesday through July 7.

Rigby added that a law enforcement presence has increased in the area thanks to officials from across the state because of the recent incidences and other forms of crime in the city by those attending the gathering.

“We appreciate all those involved — the health departments, public works and all the administrative departments helping with this event,” he said. “This gathering affects our hospitals and all different entities. It’s a big coordinating effort to be successful for the community.”

Contact reporter Morgan Briesmaster at 801-625-4268 or mbriesmaster@standard.net. Follow her on Twitter at @SE_mbriesmaster. Like her Facebook page at facebook.com/SEMorganBriesmaster.