Death of a woman on the first day of Burning Man shocks the community, organizers comment: “Life-saving measures were…”

Frazer was found unconscious on the festival grounds at around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 25. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Burning Man Project confirms the death of a participant at Black Rock City in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends who have suffered this loss. The participant has been identified by the Pershing County Sheriff's Office as 39-year-old Kendra Frazer,” Burning Man organizers said in a statement.

“On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 11:29 a.m., Burning Man emergency personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive person. Once on scene, life-saving measures were immediately attempted, but were unsuccessful,” they added.

Frazer's cause of death is currently under investigation. In a statement on Facebook, Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said an autopsy and toxicology tests are pending. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendra's family and friends,” Allen said.

According to the New York Post, Frazer died before the event officially began. The event began at 6 p.m., festival organizers said. Attendees began entering the festival at midnight.

Resources available for those who need support

Burning Man organizers realize that the news of the deaths will be “difficult for many in our community,” and said in their statement that there are resources available for anyone in Black Rock City who needs additional support. “Black Rock Rangers are available 24/7 to provide peer support services at Ranger Headquarters (5:45 a.m. and Esplanade) and Outposts (behind the Plazas at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.),” they said.

They added: “The Black Rock City Emergency Services Division Crisis Support Team is available 24 hours a day at the ESD stations on the corner of 5:15 and Esplanade and behind the Plazas at 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.”

Event organizers confirmed that they are fully cooperating with local authorities investigating the death. The Pershing County Sheriff's Office is responsible for investigating all deaths within its jurisdiction.