Participant dies on the first day of the Burning Man Festival, cause of death unknown – WEIS

(LOVELOCK, Nevada) – Authorities are investigating the death of a participant who died on the first day of the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

According to the Burning Man Project, Burning Man rescue workers found the victim unconscious around 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Officials responded and confirmed her death, Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said.

“This death remains under investigation pending the determination of the cause and manner of death, which will be updated once the autopsy is completed,” Allen said in a statement.

Her name and age have not been released pending notification of next of kin.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends who have suffered this loss,” festival organizers said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of our staff and community is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with local authorities in the investigation. … Out of respect for the privacy of the grieving family, we will not be releasing any further details at this time.”

This year's Burning Man festival will take place from August 25 to September 2. According to the festival's website, about 80,000 people attend the Burning Man festival each year.

Last year's festival was marred by torrential rain; thousands became stuck in mud and were told to stay put and stockpile food until it was safe to leave the festival site.

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