On August 30, a 37-year-old Russian man, Vadim Kruglov, was found dead in a tent at the Burning Man festival, casting a somber shadow over the annual event in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The body was discovered in a pool of blood, and although authorities have not yet identified a suspect, they continue to seek public assistance in solving the case. The incident occurred between 8 and 9:30 p.m., just as the festival’s iconic wooden effigy, The Man, was set ablaze in front of thousands of revelers.
According to officials, the body of Kruglov was found lying in a pool of blood inside a tent, with authorities confirming his identity via fingerprints. The tragic event has left many wondering about the circumstances surrounding his death. A woman who claimed to have alerted authorities described her encounter with an older woman in a red dress, who told her that a man in her tent was ‘bleeding out and might be dead.’ The witness, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the woman didn’t want to touch him, and they contacted a Black Rock Ranger via Starlink to relay the information to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities have categorized the case as a homicide, with the sheriff’s office issuing a statement emphasizing their search for any suspect identifiers. Kruglov’s father, Igor, released a video message from Russia, expressing his anguish and calling for justice. He stated that his son, who was known worldwide for his work, felt injustice deeply and fought for fairness always. Igor believes a similar situation occurred at the festival and called on those responsible to face consequences.
Additionally, a GoFundMe has been organized to return the remains of the body to Russia, as reported by KOLO 8 News Now. Despite the festival promoting community, art, and self-expression, this tragic event has raised concerns about safety and security in such large, open events. The incident has underscored the need for improved emergency response and public engagement in such environments.