Burning Man festivalgoer found dead in pool of blood as cops launch murder probe

Police launched a murder inquiry after a man was found dead at the Burning Man festival over the Labor Day weekend, adding to a lengthy catalogue of tragic incidents this week.

The corpse was discovered around 9:15 p. m. PDT on Saturday. Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen confirmed that officers, alongside Bureau of Land Management rangers, rushed to the location.

"Pershing County Sheriff Office deputies and the Bureau of Land Management immediately responded to the campsite and found a single white adult male lying on the ground, obviously deceased," Allen, who has previously voiced concerns about the event's dangers, said in a statement.

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A cordon was set up as forensic experts from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Division arrived to examine the scene. The victim's identity remains undisclosed, and his remains were taken to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office, reports the Mirror US.

Officers said they suspect the death was an isolated occurrence, but they advised festival-goers to stay alert. A section of the vast temporary settlement remains under police control.

"There is no further information available at this time," Allen said. "But it will be released as appropriate to provide for communication, while still preserving the integrity of the complicated investigation of a crime in a city which will be gone by the middle of the week."

Burning Man organisers released a short statement backing the investigation. "The Pershing County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a single white adult male that occurred the night of Saturday, August 30 in Black Rock City," the statement read.

"Burning Man is cooperating with law enforcement. If you are in Black Rock City, do not interfere with law enforcement activity."

The incident has sparked fresh demands online for the festival to be permanently cancelled. "They just need to get rid of Burning Man because every year someone dies," one user posted. Another wrote, "This venue needs to be shut down permanently."

Seasoned Burner, Johnny Diggz, told The Mirror US, "I've never heard of anyone getting murdered before. Accidents happen every year, overdoses, and medical emergencies. I'll definitely be interested to see what the investigation uncovers."

The fatality comes as emergency medical teams reported 31 people have been hospitalised since the festival began on Aug. 24, including three individuals resuscitated after cardiac arrests.

Amidst the mayhem, one woman delivered a baby in an RV bathroom. Kayla Thompson, 37, believed she had food poisoning, but minutes later gave birth to a 3-pound, 9-ounce girl.

Due to waterlogged terrain, medics transported the newborn by SUV to a medical tent, and later by helicopter to Reno. The mother followed hours later by ambulance.

"She's safe and sound," said the baby's father, Kasey Thompson. "I'm so thrilled."