A man was found dead at Burning Man last night after being found lying in a “pool of blood,” at 9:14 p.m., as the burning of the Man was about to begin, according to a news release from the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, as the 2025 festival edition previously marred by bad weather, delays and a nearby wildfire reaches its end in tragic fashion.
At this point, the fatality is being treated as an apparent homicide. Burning Man officials have urged others still on the playa to cooperate with law enforcement and to not interfere with the investigation.
"Pershing County Sheriff Office deputies and the Bureau of Land Management immediately responded to the campsite and found a single white adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
"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.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is helping out.
Law enforcement officials have been interviewing people in the area where the man was found, with heavy law enforcement marking the festival’s last hours.
The body has been transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office.
The Burning Man official dashboard right now is focussed on the so-called exodus of other burners.
“Tune into GARS 95.1 FM and check the BRC Dashboard for Gate-specific Exodus information, current travel times, and updates," it indicates. "Drive safe: stay sober and rest before you leave. Leave No Trace: do a final MOOP sweep of your camp. Be prepared to wait. Have water and snacks in your vehicle. Secure your load: only dump trash at authorized locations. (See the back of your WhatWhereWhen or visit https://survival.burningman.org/.../leave-nevada-beautiful/). On Hwy 447, you may encounter wildland fire equipment convoys responding to a wildfire. Do not fly drones or interfere with fire crews,” it indicates.