Black Rock Desert, NV — The vibrant festival spirit of Burning Man turned grim this summer when 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, a Tacoma, Washington resident, was found dead in a pool of blood as the iconic wooden “Man” burn ignited. Authorities are treating the incident as a homicide, and a community now seeks answers amid the glowing embers of festivity.
Discovered Amid the Blaze
On the evening of August 30, as the towering effigy was consumed by flames, a festivalgoer flagged down a deputy around 9:14 p.m.. Authorities discovered Kruglov in a bloody scene near the intersection of “8:30 and I streets”, a central spot in Black Rock City, the makeshift metropolis of Burning Man.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, collaborating with Bureau of Land Management rangers, quickly secured the site. The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed Kruglov’s identity via fingerprint analysis and notified his family.
A Beloved Burner
Friends painted Kruglov as more than a festivalgoer. He was deeply engaged in the community that springs up yearly in the Nevada desert, helping construct art camps, dancing in themed structures like the renowned Mine Warrior pyramid, and always ready with a smile.
Social media turned from celebration to mourning. One friend implored for assistance, writing, “We sincerely ask for your help… he was at Mine Warrior, danced inside the pyramid and may have appeared in video from art cars or spent time with people in the camps.”
Community Goes Dark
In a heartfelt statement, Burning Man Project offered condolences and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement. They announced a donation to the Secret Witness program, an initiative aimed at rewarding tips that aid criminal investigations.
As the temporary festival city began to dismantle, the investigation faced obvious challenges. The sheriff warned attendees to remain vigilant and provide any information that might shed light on Kruglov’s final hours.
This incident shook the community amid a festival already challenged by its share of misfortune. Storms tore through Black Rock City, known installations like the “Orgy Dome” were destroyed, and other serious incidents, including arrests for sexual assault, trafficking, and a surprise birth, stirred headlines beyond the typical playa drama.
Next Steps in the Search for Justice
With Kruglov’s death under formal homicide investigation, the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office remains the point of contact for anyone offering tips or information. Investigators are piecing together his movements during the festival, hoping that video footage or firsthand accounts will lead to answers, and accountability.
In the close-knit world of Burners, Kruglov’s memory now represents both warmth and warning: a reminder of community broken by violence, and the collective determination to seek justice, no matter how fleeting the stage.
Photo credit: John Smith/Daily Star, 2025
