An investigation identified the man found dead in a “pool of blood” at this weekend’s Burning Man music festival in Nevada, officials said.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) identified Vadim Kruglov as a homicide victim Wednesday, ABC News reported. Kruglov was from Russia, and his family has been notified of his death, officials said. Authorities are continuing to investigation with officials saying they are after any tips that result in a suspect’s apprehension.
The PCSO began a homicide investigation Saturday at around 9:14 p.m. after an “obviously deceased” white male was allegedly discovered in a large pool of blood at the festival. The deceased was found as the festival’s symbolic wooden “Man” effigy started burning, and authorities believe the homicide to be a “singular crime,” according to a press release from PCSO Sheriff Jerry Allen.
The deceased was described by the PCSO as a “single white male, between 35-40, approximately 6 feet tall, and 200 pounds with short brown hair and facial hair,” according to a statement posted by The Burning Man Journal.
The journal issued a statement Wednesday saying they are cooperating with the PCSO. “The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has identified the decedent as Vadim Kruglov from Russia. Our hearts go out to Vadim’s family and friends, and we grieve the loss of a community member,” they wrote.
“Burning Man Project is doing everything we can to assist the Sheriff’s investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice. This includes our intent for a coordinated donation to the Secret Witness program, which offers rewards for more information that contributes to law enforcement’s investigation,” the statement continued. (RELATED: Fashion Giant Appears To Use Luigi Mangione’s Face To Advertise Summer Shirt)
Burning Man is an annual festival that takes place in Black Rock City, Nevada, according to ABC News. While the festival is cooperating with law enforcement, Black Rock City is a temporary city that is will be gone Monday, forcing authorities to move before evidence is gone, the PCSO said.
The festival’s remote location in the Nevada desert and non-existent cell phone service also complicates the investigation, according to officials.
Amid Kruglov’s death, another Burning Man attendee has been arrested on charges of sexual assault and burglary, the PCSO announced.
A friend said Kruglov, 37, was missing Tuesday and he was last seen on Aug. 29, according to the New York Post.