Overview

• A festivalgoer alerted a deputy around 9:14 p.m. on Aug. 30 to a man lying in a pool of blood as the central wooden effigy began to burn in Black Rock City.
• Deputies, BLM rangers, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Division, and Black Rock Rangers secured a perimeter, processed the scene, and interviewed nearby participants.
• The victim is an unidentified white adult male whose body was taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, and officials have not announced a cause of death, suspects, or arrests.
• Investigators issued a public appeal to identify the decedent and to share any tips, describing him as 35–40 years old, about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, with short brown hair and facial hair.
• Burning Man organizers say they are cooperating with law enforcement, have urged attendees not to interfere, and note that support resources and communications access are available on site.