Death of a woman on the first day of the Burning Man festival is being investigated

BLACK ROCK DESERT, Nevada (AP) — Authorities said Monday they are investigating the death of a woman at the counterculture festival known as Burning Man, held annually in the northern Nevada desert.

The Pershing County Sheriff's Office said emergency crews responded to a 911 call about a woman found unconscious around noon Sunday in Black Rock City, a makeshift town built for the festival about 100 miles north of Reno.

Attempts by the Burning Man Project rescue team to save the woman’s life were unsuccessful.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends who have suffered this loss,” festival organizers said in a statement. “We are cooperating fully with local authorities in their investigation of this incident.”

Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a statement that the cause of death remains under investigation pending the determination of the cause and circumstances of death, and an update will be provided once the autopsy is completed.

A call to the Washoe County Coroner's Office was not immediately returned Monday.

Allen said the woman's name and age would not be released until her relatives were notified.

The festival began early Sunday after the gates were closed for twelve hours due to rain and mud.

An estimated 20,000 people were already on the beach before the gates opened.

Burning Man runs until September 2nd and organizers expect more than 70,000 visitors this year.

A 32-year-old man from California died last year after being found unconscious on the festival grounds. Authorities suspected drug poisoning.

In 2023, an estimated 73,000 people attended the 35th annual Burning Man festival, with another 95,000 participating in regional events around the world.

The event was interrupted by a protest blockade that was lifted by local authorities. About an inch and a half of rain turned the playa into mud, making driving and cycling almost impossible.

Authorities installed cell phone towers and asked visitors to stay home until the rain stopped.