Police investigate woman’s death at Burning Man 2024

Burning Man 2024 is commencing with a sense of solemnity.

Tragic Start to Burning Man 2024

Just before the start of the desert festival on Aug. 25 in Nevada, a female attendee was discovered deceased, as announced by Burning Man organizers in a Monday news release. Emergency services personnel at the festival responded to a report of an unresponsive individual on Sunday at around 11:29 a.m. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, they were unable to revive her.

Identification and Investigation

The deceased woman has been identified as 39-year-old Kendra Frazer. The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a release to Entertainment Weekly that an investigation into the circumstances of her death is currently underway.

Sheriff Jerry Allen expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendra’s family and friends.”

Burning Man representatives have not yet responded to EW’s request for comment.

Support and Resources Offered

In response to the tragic incident, Burning Man organizers have provided additional resources and support to attendees at Black Rock City. This includes peer support services at Black Rock Rangers headquarters and outposts, as well as through Black Rock City’s Emergency Services Department’s Crisis Support team.

Commitment to Safety

The organizers emphasized, “The safety and well-being of our staff and community are paramount.” They are fully cooperating with local authorities in the investigation and respecting the privacy of the grieving family by refraining from sharing further details at this time.

Burning Man, an annual event drawing an average of 70,000 attendees, is described as “a global ecosystem of artists, makers, and community organizers who co-create art, events, and local initiatives around the world.”

Challenges Faced

The news of this tragedy follows the temporary closure of the festival gates due to heavy rains lasting 12 hours.

Last year, a festivalgoer named Leon Reece passed away after being found unresponsive on the grounds. The cause of death was determined to be accidental, attributed to a combination of substances.

The 2023 event also faced challenges with heavy rains, leading to an early shutdown and attendees enduring muddy conditions.

Burning Man 2024 is scheduled to run until Sept. 2.

FAQs

Q: What support is being offered to attendees at Burning Man?

A: Burning Man organizers have provided additional resources and support, including peer support services and crisis support teams.

Q: How many attendees does Burning Man typically welcome?

A: The festival attracts an average of 70,000 attendees each year.

Q: What caused the closure of the festival gates last year?

A: Heavy rains lasting 12 hours led to the temporary closure of the gates.

Credit: ew.com