Man Found Dead at Burning Man, Homicide Investigation Underway

Black Rock City, Nev., Sept. 1, 2025 - Law enforcement officials have launched a homicide investigation after an adult man was discovered dead in a “pool of blood” during Saturday night’s burning of the festival’s iconic wooden effigy at Burning Man in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.

According to a statement from the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Bureau of Land Management rangers were alerted at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time on Aug. 30, just as “The Man” began to ignite, to the scene of an unnamed White male lying motionless and obviously deceased. His body was transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and identification.

Sheriff Jerry Allen described the death as appearing to be an isolated crime but urged all attendees to remain vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances as the investigation continues. No suspects have been named, and authorities have not released details on the cause of death.

Burning Man Project organizers issued a statement affirming their full cooperation with the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office and reminded festival-goers to avoid interfering with law enforcement activities. They also emphasized that support services, including a crisis team and free site-wide Wi-Fi, remain available for attendees in need of assistance or to contact loved ones.

This incident marks the first potential homicide in the festival’s 35-year history. Burning Man, which transforms Nevada’s Black Rock Desert into a temporary city for art, music, and community, concludes its week-long gathering today.