Authorities have launched a homicide investigation after discovering a man’s body in what officials described as “a pool of blood” during the climactic moment of the Burning Man festival on Saturday night.
The grisly discovery occurred around 9 p.m. as the festival’s centerpiece event was underway in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
A festival attendee flagged down a sheriff’s deputy to report finding “a male subject lying in a pool of blood,” according to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office.
The timing of the discovery created a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the festival’s main attraction.
The towering human-shaped wooden sculpture known as “the Man” was being set ablaze at the center of Black Rock City when authorities were alerted to the crime scene.
Deputies pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The body has since been transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination, officials confirmed in a Sunday news release.
Law enforcement immediately secured the area where the body was found.
Local deputies worked alongside Bureau of Land Management rangers and Burning Man’s own Black Rock Rangers to establish a perimeter around the crime scene.
Multiple festival participants were questioned at the scene as part of the initial investigation.
The interviews were conducted while thousands of other attendees continued with the festival’s signature event nearby, the New York Post reported.
Officials have cordoned off the crime scene and plan to maintain the restricted area throughout the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office announced that the location will remain gated off until authorities can complete their work.
A heavy law enforcement presence will continue in the affected portion of Black Rock City until the scene can be officially released, according to authorities.
The investigation process remains active as officials work to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office issued a cautionary statement to festival attendees following the discovery.
“Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances,” officials warned.
The incident occurred during the festival’s penultimate day.
Burning Man began the previous Sunday and was scheduled to conclude on Monday, making Saturday night’s effigy burning one of the event’s most anticipated moments.
Festival organizers have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation process.
The Burning Man organization released a statement directing attendees to respect ongoing police activities.
“The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office will be the primary source of further information. If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity,” the festival association stated.
The homicide investigation marks a dark turn for the annual gathering, which typically draws tens of thousands of participants to Nevada’s remote desert location.
The festival is known for its artistic displays, music performances and the symbolic burning of the large wooden effigy.
Authorities have not released the identity of the victim or provided details about potential suspects in the case.
The investigation continues as officials work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death.
