New details emerge about Burning Man death as organisers continue with plans

04 September 2023 , 12:35

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Burning Man has been hit with severe flooding

New details have been released about the death of a main at the Burning Man festival, as organisers are continuing with their finale plans.

Officials announced one person had died at the festival in northern Nevada. While the death is still under investigation by the Pershing County Sheriff's Office, Burning Man Communications have confirmed the death was "unrelated to the weather".

More than 70,000 people were trapped on the site after flooding swept through the Nevada desert. Burning Man descended into chaos as the entrance was closed and attendees were told to conserve food and water.

In a new statement, organisers said: "There was a death on playa on September 1, 2023 unrelated to the weather. Our emergency services department reached a call for service extremely quickly for a male, approximately 40 years old, and could not resuscitate the patient."

One man has died at the Burning Man festival (AFP via Getty Images)

Festival organisers also gave an update on plans for the iconic 'Man Burn'. They said it has been rescheduled for Monday at 9pm local time. The Chapel of Babel is scheduled to burn at midnight.

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Speaking about the adverse weather conditions, Burning Man Communications said: "Event operations are functional and responding to evolving conditions. Our communications systems are up and running, as are our power grids."

They added: "There are approximately 72,000 people on site. People are sharing resources and looking after one another. Morale Saturday during the day and into the night was high and remains high today. There is music playing, camp meals being shared, socializing, and walking around the playa to look at art and interact as a community."

The festival was shut down as a result of a severe storm (https://eu.rgj.com)

WiFi has been made available for those attending the festival, as well as mobile phone trailers to help boost service. More than one-half inch of rain is believed to have fallen on Friday at the Burning Man site. More rain is forecasted, with 72,000 people said to still be at the festival.

Conditions are said to be improving. However, Burning Man Communications said: "The roads in Black Rock City remain too wet and muddy to officially open them for Exodus on Sunday 9/3.

"We expect to start Exodus on Monday morning 9/4 as long as the conditions improve. We will inform the community as soon as we make the decision as to the route and the timing. Gate Road is currently impassable."

Scarlett O'Toole