Burning man homicide victim 'found in pool of blood' identified as friends speak out
The man who was found dead at this year's Burning Man festival has been identified.
On August 30, police were informed by a festival-goer that there was a man 'lying in a pool of blood'.
Pershing County Sheriff's Office said in a statement at the time: "On August 30, 2025, at 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 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."
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"PCSO Deputies, BLM Rangers and Burning Man Project Black Rock Rangers created a perimeter around the area, and PCSO and BLM began investigating the scene," police continued.
"The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Forensic Science Division, was called in to assist in processing the scene and collection of evidence. On site law enforcement interviewed several participants in the immediate area."
The festival-goer's death was quickly ruled as a suspected homicide and police proceeded to launch a murder investigation.
The deceased man's identity was initially unknown but he has since been named as Russian national Vadim Kruglov. The Nevada Bureau of Land Management says his family have been notified, per Mail Online.
Elsewhere, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money for Kruglov's family to pay for his body to be flown home so that he can be laid to rest.
The page describes Kruglov as 'a true hero of Burning Man'. It continues: "Vadim poured his soul into our community: building camp, creating art, helping others, and always sharing his kindness and energy. His contributions will forever remain part of the Burn’s history."
"Now, we want to honor his memory and support his family," the GoFundMe page's organizer further penned.
"We are raising funds to bring him home to Omsk, so that his parents can say their last goodbye and lay him to rest with his loved ones."
At the time of writing the fundraiser has almost reached its goal on $15,000.
Kruglov's identity was confirmed by the Washoe County Nevada Regional Medical Examiner on Wednesday night (September 3).
A cause of death is yet to be determined, however, and is 'pending further investigation'.
In light of the victim's name being revealed, Burning Man festival has issued a statement.
"Our hearts go out to Vadim’s family and friends and we grieve the loss of a community member," festival organizers told Mail Online, adding: "Burning Man Project is doing everything we can to assist the Sheriff’s investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice. This includes our intent for a coordinated donation to the Secret Witness program, which offers rewards for more information that contributes to law enforcement’s investigation."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Niamh Shackleton