RENO, Nev. — Authorities have released new details following a tragic incident at the 2025 Burning Man Festival, confirming the identity of the homicide victim as Vadim Kruglov, a citizen of Russia. The Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office verified his identity through fingerprint analysis earlier this week.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation, announced the confirmation and expressed deep sympathy to Kruglov’s loved ones.
“The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincerest condolences to Vadim Kruglov’s family for their tragic loss,” officials said in a public statement.
According to law enforcement, Kruglov’s family has been notified of his passing. Out of respect for their grief, officials have not released further personal details about the victim.
Ongoing Investigation
The homicide has sent shockwaves through the normally vibrant and tightly knit Burning Man community, which annually draws tens of thousands of participants to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. While accidents and medical emergencies have been reported in previous years, violent crimes remain rare at the countercultural event, making this case particularly alarming.
Investigators have not yet released information about the circumstances of Kruglov’s death, including where on the festival grounds the incident took place or what may have led up to it. Authorities have urged anyone with knowledge of the events leading to the homicide to come forward.
Community Reaction
News of the homicide has unsettled attendees and organizers alike, many of whom describe Burning Man as a space dedicated to creativity, expression, and communal living. Messages of condolences and concern have already begun circulating on social media from members of the global Burning Man community, many of whom are calling for compassion and unity in the face of the tragedy.
Call for Information
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are working closely with state and federal agencies to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and track down potential leads.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity at the festival, or who has information relevant to the case, to contact the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made.
