Authorities have released more information regarding the unidentified man who is at the center of a murder investigation following his discovery ‘lying in a pool of blood’ during the well-known Burning Man festival.
On Saturday (August 30), as the giant effigy, standing about 80 feet tall, was set ablaze, the body of a man was found in the ‘streets’ of the temporary Black Rock City, located in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation into this homicide. It was reported that a deputy was alerted by a festival attendee about a man found lying in blood at that moment.
“The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is requesting any information regarding a homicide which occurred on August 30, 2025, between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the area between 8 o’clock and I St. and 845 and I St. in Black Rock City, at the Burning Man Festival,” Sheriff Jerry Allen stated in an update on the case.
He went on to say: “We are specifically looking to identify the white male adult decedent, who is between the ages of 35 and 40, approximately 6′ and 200# [pounds] with short brown hair and facial hair.
“We are also currently seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being.
“At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my Office.”
This marks the third consecutive year someone has died at Black Rock City.
Back in 2023, 32-year-old Leon Reece from Truckee—a small town in California near the Nevada border—was found unresponsive. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined in October of that year that his death was accidental, caused by acute toxicity from a mix of cocaine, ethanol (alcohol), and MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy or Molly).
The following year, 39-year-old Kendra Frazer was found unresponsive on the event’s first day. The Washoe County Medical Examiner confirmed her death was due to an asthma attack she experienced while asleep.
Festival-goers are aware of the inherent risks associated with attending events in such a remote area, yet those who have faced these dangers often return.
Rachael Gingery attended her ninth Burning Man last month, even after suffering severe injuries the year before, when she broke her back and ribs, bruised her spleen, and punctured a lung.
“I appreciate that Burning Man is a little bit dangerous,” she told SFGATE. “It’s kind of what makes it exciting.”
Her accident in 2024 took place when she attempted to climb down from an interactive art installation resembling a sunken ship. The ladders turned unexpectedly, causing her to fall 20 feet to the ground.
Burning Man has been approached for a statement regarding these incidents.