Nevada authorities are investigating the death of an attendee of Burning Man 2024, according to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
A woman was tragically pronounced dead on the event’s first day, Sunday, August 25th, confirmed Burning Man Project, the nonprofit that produces the annual gathering in Black Rock City. The event’s emergency services personnel responded to a report of an “unresponsive individual” at 11:29am and unsuccessfully performed life-saving measures on the scene, the organization said.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and community are paramount,” Burning Man Project said in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with local authorities as they investigate this incident. The Pershing County Sheriff’s office investigates all deaths that occur in its jurisdiction.”
The woman’s cause of death is under investigation, pending the results of an autopsy. Her name and age are being withheld until next of kin can be notified, according to Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen.
“This is the first reported death on the playa this year and unfortunately it has happened on day one,” Allen said.
Burning Man Project says its Black Rock Rangers—veteran “Burners” who help participants and staff throughout the event—are available to provide peer support services at Ranger HQ (5:45 & Esplanade) and Outposts (behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas). The same goes for Burning Man’s Emergency Services Department’s Crisis Support team, which can be reached at the ESD stations located at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.