Authorities have identified the man who was found dead at this year’s Burning Man festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees the desert where the annual event is held, said 32-year-old Vadim Kruglov of Russia died on Saturday (August 30) evening, just as tens of thousands of attendees were gathered to watch the festival’s signature effigy burn.
According to The Guardian, a festival attendee discovered the body between 8PM and 9.15PM and reported seeing a man “lying in a pool of blood” and “obviously deceased".
Kruglov was identified through his fingerprints, the sheriff’s office told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Sheriff Jerry Allen of Pershing County said local deputies, BLM rangers, and Burning Man’s own Black Rock Rangers quickly established a perimeter around the site, interviewing “several participants in the immediate area".
The man’s body was removed and taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, where fingerprint records confirmed his identity, as police opened a murder investigation.
Kruglov, who had reportedly been living in Washington state, was remembered by many as a central figure within his festival community.
One friend shared on social media that the late man had “poured his soul into our community: building the camp, creating an art installation, always ready to help others, and being kind and responsive to everyone.”
“His energy and contribution will forever remain part of the Burn’s history,” the post said.
Sheriff Allen appealed to festivalgoers for information, stressing that any detail could prove vital.
“We are also currently seeking information regarding any suspect identifiers for any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being,” Allen said. “At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my office.”
The sheriff’s office has characterized the killing as a “singular crime,” but cautioned participants to remain aware of their surroundings.
Investigators noted the probe was complicated by the temporary nature of Black Rock City, the makeshift desert community that dissolves only days after it is built.
“This process is still ongoing, and the portion of the ‘City’ where this occurred will have heavy law enforcement presence until the scene can be released,” officials said, per The Telegraph.
Festival organizers released their own statement urging attendees to avoid interfering with law enforcement. “The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office will be the primary source of further information. If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity,” they wrote.
A GoFundMe created by Kruglov’s loved ones has surpassed its $15,000 goal, raising $15,194 as of this writing.
The fundraiser states that the money will be used to “bring him home to Omsk, so that his parents can say their last goodbye and lay him to rest with his loved ones.” It continues: “We ask everyone who knew and appreciated him to contribute. Any support, big or small, means the world.”
Our thoughts are with the victims' loved ones at this time.