Man killed at Burning Man is identified by authorities

The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday identified man who was killed at Burning Man last week.

The victim was identified by fingerprints as Vadim Kruglov of Russia, the sheriff’s office said. He was identified by the Washoe Medical Examiner’s Office and his family has been notified of his death.

His body was found after 9 p.m. Saturday “lying on the ground” in a pool of blood, the sheriff’s office said.

A suspect has not been identified and officials are asking for the public’s help finding “any person who would commit such a heinous crime against another human being.”

Officials have said details about the manner of death are being withheld at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

When asked for updates on the case Tuesday morning, the sheriff’s office said it had none.

“Our hearts go out to Vadim’s family and friends and we grieve the loss of a community member,” Burning Man said in a statement Wednesday.

The festival said it will do “everything we can to assist the Sheriff’s investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice,” including making a “coordinated donation to the Secret Witness program, which offers rewards for more information that contributes to law enforcement’s investigation.”

At least one other person has died at Burning Man in recent years. Last year, Kendra Frazer, 39, died after “emergency services personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive individual. Once on scene, life saving measures were immediately attempted but were unsuccessful,” the festival said in 2024.

The death was one of a few outstanding events at this year’s festival, held in the desert of Black Rock City, Nevada.

A baby was “spontaneously” delivered in an recreational vehicle to a woman who did not know she was pregnant, and the infamous “Orgy Tent” was claimed by dust storms that overturned the camp.