Authorities have identified the man killed at this year’s Burning Man festival as Vadim Kruglov, a 37-year-old Russian national living in Tacoma, Washington. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his identity after fingerprint analysis, marking the first homicide reported at the annual desert gathering.
Kruglov’s body was discovered on the night of August 30, as thousands gathered to watch the iconic “Man” effigy burn. Officials described the scene as a “pool of blood”, prompting an immediate homicide investigation.
Law Enforcement Challenges
Sheriff Jerry Allen said investigators are still working to piece together events leading up to Kruglov’s death. Unlike traditional city environments, Burning Man’s temporary desert infrastructure offers limited surveillance and evidence preservation, complicating the probe.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward. The Burning Man Project has pledged cooperation and financial support for the Secret Witness program to encourage tips that could lead to an arrest.
Family and Community Response
Kruglov’s father, Igor, speaking from Russia, expressed heartbreak and called for justice, describing his son as a man of “honor and kindness” who had “poured his soul into Burning Man.”
Fellow participants remembered Kruglov as a devoted builder of camps and art installations, known for his generosity and enthusiasm for the event. A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to repatriate his body to his family in Omsk, Siberia.
A First for Burning Man
While Burning Man is no stranger to medical emergencies and accidents, the announcement of a confirmed homicide has shaken its community. Organizers acknowledged the tragedy, emphasizing that safety and cooperation with law enforcement remain their highest priority.
As the investigation unfolds, the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge witnesses to provide information, hoping to bring closure to both the victim’s family and the tens of thousands of participants who consider Black Rock City their home each summer.
