Major Burning Man murder investigation update as police seek to identify victim

A Nevada Sheriff is appealing for assistance in identifyingthe man killed at the Burning Man Festival.

One festival-goer was discovered dead at the event site in Black Rock Desert, Nevada on Saturday, 30th August. At approximately 9:15 p.m. PDT, the Pershing County Sheriff's Office received reports of an unresponsive male found lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

Two days have passed and the victim remains unidentified, prompting Sheriff Jerry Allen to appeal for public assistance from anyone who might provide clues about the person's identity. The news comes following  reports of a schoolboy, 11, 'murdered' after knocking on door and running away for prank.

In his statement, Sheriff Allen explained: "We are specifically looking to identify the white male adult decedent who is between the ages of 35 and 40, approximately 6 feet tall and 200 lbs., with short brown hair and facial hair.", reports the Mirror US.

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Whilst the probe into the man's death continues, the Pershing County Sheriff's Office has released a statement concerning the incident.

The sheriff's department is particularly seeking anyone who witnessed or heard anything between 8 and 9:30 p. m. on Saturday in a designated section of the festival site. To assist the search, Allen published a diagram showing precisely where the victim was discovered.

The sheriff is not only seeking details about the victim, but also the perpetrator.

"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 stated.

"At this time, no information is too small to disregard, so do not hesitate to contact my office."

The office is appealing for any information related to the murder case #25-318, asking that it be passed on to Investigator Josh Nicholson via their Dispatch at 775-273-2641.

When the incident initially took place, the sheriff's department issued a statement. In an extensive Facebook post, they said: "On August 30, 2025, approximately 9:14 p.m., while the 'Man' was beginning to burn, a Pershing County Sheriff's Office Deputy was flagged down by an event participant who was advised of a male subject lying in a pool of blood.

"Pershing County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) Deputies and Bureau Land Management (BLM) Rangers immediately responded to the campsite and found a single white adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased.

"PCSO Deputies, BLM Rangers and Burning Man Project Black Rock Rangers created a perimeter around the area, and PSCO and BLM began investigating the scene.

"The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Forensic Science Division was called into assist in processing the scene and collection of evidence. On site enforcement interviewed several participants in the immediate area," the statement continued.

"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."

The sheriff's office believe this was a "singular crime" but have warned all attendees to "always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances."