Russian National Identified as Burning Man Homicide Victim

BLACK ROCK CITY, Nev., Sept. 4, 2025 - Authorities have confirmed that the man found dead during the ceremonial effigy burn at this year’s Burning Man festival is 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov of Tacoma, Washington.

Officials from the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim through fingerprint analysis and have notified his family in Russia. Kruglov’s body was discovered in a “pool of blood” by a fellow participant on the night of Aug. 30, at approximately 9:14 p.m. local time, just as the festival’s signature wooden “Man” was set alight.

Sheriff Jerry Allen has classified the incident as a homicide and emphasized that the investigation remains active. “No detail is too insignificant to overlook,” the sheriff said, appealing for anyone with information regarding Kruglov’s movements or potential witnesses to come forward. Calls for tips can be directed to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office at 775-273-2641 or via email to [email protected].

Burning Man Project released a statement expressing deep condolences to Kruglov’s friends and family and confirmed that festival organizers are fully cooperating with law enforcement. The organization also plans a coordinated donation to the Secret Witness program, which offers rewards for information contributing to criminal investigations.

Fellow festivalgoers have established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with repatriation of Kruglov’s remains to his hometown of Omsk, Russia. His friends remember him as a dedicated community member who helped build camps, created art installations, and shared his “kindness and energy” throughout Black Rock City.