Anthony Yates
Authorities are urging Burning Man attendees to remain vigilant after an event goer reportedly found a man “obviously deceased” at the venue.
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What happened: According to a press release by the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), an event attendee flagged down a deputy on August 30 at around 9:14 PM.
- The statement reads, “PCSO deputies and Bureau of Land Management Rangers immediately responded to the campsite and found a single white adult male lying on the ground, “obviously deceased.” They reportedly found him lying in a pool of blood.
- Authorities assembled a perimeter around the area and started investigating. On-site law enforcement interviewed several Burning Man attendees, and the press release explains that there will be a heavy police presence in that part of the “City.”
- Many details about the incident remain unclear, but PCSO is treating the death as a homicide. “The identity of the decedent is unknown at this time, and he has been transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the release reads.
PCSO believes the act is a “singular crime.” They urge event participants to “be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances.” Per AZ Central, Burning Man officials asked attendees not to interfere with the investigation. “The safety and well-being of our community are paramount,” they reportedly said.
The First Reported Homicide At Burning Man
Not the first death: The Reno Gazette Journal points out eight previous deaths at Burning Man since 1996. However, this latest death appears to be the first homicide.
- The outlet also points out that the incident on August 30 marks the third death at Burning Man in as many years.
- In 2023, Leon Reece was found unresponsive, and authorities administered CPR. Harsh weather conditions delayed a police response, but a doctor at the venue declared Reece deceased before officers arrived. The Reno Gazette Journal explains that authorities suspected drugs may have been a contributing factor.
- In 2024, Kendra Frazer passed away on the first day of the event. The outlet reveals she died in her sleep from an asthma attack. Burning Man staff tried to perform life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful.
Burning Man 2025 got off to a rocky start when a vicious sandstorm enveloped the area. The severe weather system wrecked camps, and four people were injured by flying debris.
