Burning Man 2024 has confirmed that a woman died on the festival's first day in Nevada's Black Rock Desert on August 25.
The week-long festival kicked off on the morning of August 25, and the woman was found unconscious at 11:29 a.m. the same day. She was attended to by Burning Man emergency services, who tried to save her life but were ultimately unable to revive her.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the festival wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that the Burning Man Project confirms the death of a participant in Black Rock City in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims. The participant has been identified by the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.” (Black Rock City is a temporary base for Burning Man participants.)
At the time of publication of this article, the cause of death has not been disclosed as the death is still under investigation. The participant's name and age have also not been disclosed.
“The safety and well-being of our employees and community is of the utmost importance,” the festival continued. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this incident. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office investigates all deaths that occur in its jurisdiction.”
In 2023, Burning Man announced the death of 32-year-old festival-goer Leon Reyes, who died after being found unconscious on the festival grounds, authorities confirmed.
This year the festival continues until September 2nd.
