Two attendees have died at the Burning Man festival in Nevada within a 48-hour period, organizers confirmed on Saturday and Sunday. The incidents occurred as the annual desert gathering approached its final days in Black Rock City.
Craigh Mann, 60, found dead at his camp on Saturday
Craigh Mann, a 60-year-old attendee, was discovered deceased by campmates at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, according to the Burning Man Project. No cause of death has been released, and officials have not indicated foul play in his death. Mann’s partner, Anya, shared a photo of the two at the festival on social media following the news, captioning it: “My Mann.”
Second attendee, mid-50s man, dies after medical emergency on Thursday
A second attendee, a man in his mid-50s, died on Thursday, September 3, after suffering a medical emergency during the festival. First responders administered life-saving measures and transported him to an on-site medical center, where he was pronounced dead. Organizers did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency or release his name pending family notification.
No indication of foul play or connection between deaths
Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen stated that foul play was not suspected in either case. The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting autopsies to determine the causes of death. Organizers confirmed that the two incidents are not believed to be related.
Festival organizers provide support resources
The Burning Man Project issued a statement expressing condolences to the families, friends, and campmates of the deceased. Organizers noted that around-the-clock peer and crisis-support resources were made available to attendees affected by the deaths. The festival, which began on August 30, was scheduled to conclude on Monday, September 7.
Context: Recent incidents and historical fatalities
The festival has faced challenges this year, including extreme weather conditions that turned parts of the playa into mud following heavy rainfall. Organizers described this year’s event as difficult due to weather and other incidents. Historically, Burning Man has seen one or two deaths annually among its more than 60,000 attendees. The most recent prior fatality was a 37-year-old Russian national in 2023, whose death remains under investigation as a homicide.
Medical support and emergency response
The festival maintains an on-site medical center staffed with emergency responders to address health emergencies. Organizers emphasized that the safety and well-being of attendees and staff remain their highest priority. Sheriff Allen reiterated that no signs of external foul play were apparent in either death.
Autopsy results pending
The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is awaiting autopsy results to determine the causes of death for both attendees. Further details, including the identities of the deceased, will be released once families have been notified.