Man found in 'pool of own blood' at Burning Man as cops launch murder investigation

A murder probe has been launched after a man was found 'lying in a pool of blood' at the popular Burning Man festival.

Up to 80,000 people descended on the Black Rock Desert of Nevada to take part in festivities that centred around the Burning of the Man ceremony - where an effigy reaching around 80ft tall is set alight to create an extraordinary bonfire.

But as the flames began to tear through the sculpture on Saturday (August 30), a deputy of the Pershing County Sheriff's Office was informed of a possible homicide.

The force has since issued a statement, which reads: "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.

"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."

It 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.

"This process is still ongoing and the portion of the 'City' where this occurred will have heavy law enforcement presence until the scene can be released.

"The identity of the decedent is unknown at this time, and he has been transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office.

"Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances."

It went on to note that officers will preserve 'the integrity of the complicated investigation of a crime in a city which will be gone by the middle of the week' - in reference to the C-shaped Black Rock City, which is formed each year before being dismantled, restoring the desert to its original state.

The week-long music and art festival took place from last Sunday (August 24) and will conclude later today (September 1).

Next year will mark 40 years since an effigy of a man was first burnt in the desert - although back then it was just eight feet tall, which is dwarfed by today's sculptures.