A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found in a pool of blood at Burning Man Festival.
This year’s edition of the annual event began on August 24 in Black Rock City, Nevada and is due to wrap today (September 1).
It was during the traditional burning of the wooden effigy on Saturday (August 30) that an attendee informed authorities that they had discovered a man “lying in a pool of blood”.
Pershing County Sheriff’s Office say the body was found at 9:14pm local time, at which time they immediately responded and “found a single white adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased” (via USA Today).
The office also said that they believe the incident is a “singular crime”, while advising festivalgoers to remain “vigilant”. The identity of the man and the cause of death have not been revealed, with Sheriff Jerry Allen saying “appropriate communication” will be provided as the investigation plays out.
According to USA Today, it is the first suspected homicide at Burning Man, although eight other deaths have been reported since 1996.
This year’s festival got off to a rocky start after its infamous Orgy Dome announced that its main structure had been destroyed by strong winds.
Other reported damage includes a 50-foot-tall art installation titled Black Cloud. Created by a team of artists from Ukraine, it was intended to serve as a symbol of freedom for the country amid its ongoing war.
It comes after Marian Goodell, the CEO of Burning Man called for “urgent” donations as a way to help save the festival amid staff lay-offs late last year.
The week-long non-profit festival has been known to sell out of tickets months in advance, sometimes within 30 minutes of release. Last year saw the festival open ticket sales to non-registered buyers for the first time after experiencing slow sales.
Elsewhere last year, it was reported that a woman had died on the first day of the festival.