A third Burning Man festivalgoer has died, with authorities confirming the death occurred while the individual was being transported to a Reno-area hospital. This marks the third reported death connected to the annual gathering in the Nevada desert.
Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen stated that his office received information about the third participant's death during transport. The circumstances of this death are not fully known as it occurred outside of Allen's jurisdiction. Questions regarding this incident have been referred to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, which have been contacted for comment.
Authorities are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results for the two men who previously died at the festival. Sheriff Allen indicated that his office typically records about one death annually at the event.
The first death occurred on a Thursday at Rampart, the temporary hospital located at Burning Man. According to a news release from the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, the individual was described by festival organizers as being in his mid-50s. Deputies responded after the man, identified as Sampson Tshombe, was found on a street within the festival grounds. Despite CPR efforts by emergency personnel, a doctor pronounced him deceased at the hospital. Investigators found no external signs of foul play. Tshombe's body was transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and toxicology screening, as his medical history was unknown to authorities.
On Saturday, deputies were dispatched to Black Rock City, the temporary city erected annually for the festival, following the report of a second death. The festival organizers reported that a 60-year-old man had died. The sheriff's office stated that Craigh Mann was discovered deceased in a trailer he shared with his partner around 3:17 p.m. Investigators observed no outward indications of foul play. Mann was also taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and toxicology screenings, with investigators noting an absence of his medical history or other information that could explain the cause of death.
Autopsy and toxicology results for both Tshombe and Mann are anticipated within six to eight weeks. The sheriff's office stated that no further information would be released until these results are received.
Burning Man organizers issued statements expressing their condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the deaths. Following the first fatality, organizers emphasized that the safety and well-being of the community and staff were their highest priorities and that support resources were available around the clock in Black Rock City.
The Burning Man festival began on August 30 in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert and concluded on Monday. The event typically draws up to 80,000 attendees, referred to as "burners," and is recognized for the ceremonial burning of a large wooden effigy.