Attendees dance during the annual Burning Man Festival in the early morning of September 5, 2023. (Photo by Julie JAMMOT / AFP) (Photo by JULIE JAMMOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities are investigating the death of a man who was found in a pool of blood at the Burning Man Festival on Saturday.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office said on August 30, while hile the “Man,” a wooden sculpture, was beginning to burn, a participant alerted a nearby deputy about the death.
The Bureau Land Management rangers, Burning Man Black Rock rangers, along with deputies responded to the scene and found a single white male adult lying deceased on the ground.
What we don’t know:
The man’s identity remains unknown, officials said, and his body has been taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
What they’re saying:
“Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
Big picture view:
Law enforcement is securing the crime scene, describing the case as a “complicated investigation,” since the temporary city will be dismantled by midweek. The annual festival began on Aug. 24 and concludes on Monday.
The other side:
Burning Man organizers said they are cooperating with law enforcement.
“The safety and well-being of our community are paramount,” organizers said on its website.
What you can do:
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the homicide to come forward.
The Source: The information in this story comes from statements released by the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, including details shared in a Facebook post. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
