Authorities in Nevada are investigating a death that occurred during the annual Burning Man festival as a homicide.
The incident took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Black Rock City, approximately 110 miles north of Reno, during the festival’s climax when the symbolic wooden effigy known as the “Man” was set ablaze.
A festivalgoer alerted a deputy to a man lying in a pool of blood around 9:14 p.m. local time.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers found a white adult male deceased at the scene.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has not released the identity of the deceased, but they have described him as approximately 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with short brown hair and facial hair.
The sheriff’s office has cordoned off the area and is interviewing several festival participants.
They are seeking information from anyone who was in the vicinity of I Street and 845 between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. on the night of the incident.
Authorities have emphasized that while the incident appears to be isolated, attendees should remain vigilant.
Burning Man organizers have expressed their commitment to community safety and are fully cooperating with law enforcement.
They have urged participants not to interfere with the ongoing investigation and have offered support services, including crisis counseling and access to free Wi-Fi for communication with loved ones.
This marks the third consecutive year that a death has occurred at the festival. In 2023, a participant died from acute drug toxicity, and in 2024, another died from an asthma attack.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office at 775-273-2641 or 775-273-5111. Reference case number PCSO 25-318 and ask for Investigator Josh Nicholson.