Two men died within roughly 24 hours at Burning Man, the Burning Man Project confirmed, as the annual desert gathering entered its final days in Black Rock City, Nevada. Craigh Mann, 60, was found deceased by campmates at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. A second participant, a man in his mid-50s, died the previous day after suffering a medical emergency and being transported to the festival's onsite emergency care center, where he was pronounced dead.
| Participant | Age | Date | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craigh Mann | 60 | Saturday, Sept. 5, approx. 3 p.m. | Found by campmates at his camp |
| Name withheld | Mid-50s | Friday | Medical emergency; pronounced dead at onsite care center |
"Burning Man Project is saddened to share that a second Black Rock City participant, Craigh Mann, a 60-year-old man, was found deceased by campmates in his camp," organizers said in a statement. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the participant's family, friends, campmates, and all those affected by this loss."
The first death was announced Friday evening. That participant received lifesaving measures before being transferred to the onsite emergency care center, where he was pronounced dead. Organizers declined to describe the nature of the medical emergency. His name was withheld because his family had not yet been notified.
Following that announcement, the Burning Man Project said the safety and well-being of the community and staff remained their highest priority. Support resources were made available around the clock across Black Rock City, the temporary city erected each year in the Nevada desert to host the event.
The Pershing County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Burning Man began Aug. 30 and was scheduled to conclude Monday. The festival draws as many as 80,000 attendees each year, referred to as "burners." It is best known for the ceremonial burning of a large wooden effigy.