A man died while attending the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert.
The attendee, who was in his mid-50s, experienced a “medical emergency” while attending the annual event Thursday (Sept. 3), according to organizers.
“It is with heavy hearts that Burning Man Project confirms a Black Rock City participant in his mid-50s experienced a medical emergency,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the participant’s family, friends, and those affected by this loss.”
The man “immediately received lifesaving measures, and was transported to the onsite center for emergency care where he was pronounced deceased,” the festival said.
The individual’s cause of death had not been revealed at press time. His identity was not being released until his family had been notified.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a report of an unresponsive man found on the streets at the festival, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Authorities said there appeared to be no evidence of external foul play. The medical examiner was working to determine the man’s cause of death.
“The safety and well-being of our community and staff remain our highest priority,” Burning Man’s statement said.
The festival launched its 40th anniversary celebration at Black Rock Desert on Aug. 30 and is scheduled to wrap Monday (Sept. 7).
The attendee’s death comes as this year’s Burning Man festival has faced weather-related challenges, including heavy rain Friday (Sept. 4) that temporarily closed the main entrance and exit gate, according to TMZ. Organizers urged attendees to delay their travel and asked those already at the festival to avoid driving.
The incident comes one year after the death of 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, who was found fatally stabbed inside a tent at Burning Man in August 2025. His death marked the festival’s first reported homicide.
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