GERLACH, Nev. — The death of a woman on the first day of the Burning Man Festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is under investigation.
On Sunday at 11:29 a.m., emergency services responded to a report of an unresponsive individual, festival officials said in a news release. “Life-saving measures were immediately attempted but were unsuccessful,” according to officials.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office reported it was notified at around 11:37 a.m. of the potential death of a participant.
“Deputies responded to the address provided and confirmed the death of a female participant,” officials stated.
The sheriff’s department identified 39-year-old Kendra Frazer as the woman who died. Her cause and manner of death are still pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology screening.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this loss,” the Burning Man Project said.
Support is available to festival participants including peer support services at Black Rock Rangers headquarters and outposts, according to the event.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and community are paramount,” organizers said. “We are cooperating fully with local authorities as they investigate this incident. The Pershing County Sheriff’s office investigates all deaths that occur in its jurisdiction.”
A 32-year-old festival-goer died in 2023 after he was found unresponsive on festival grounds.
Burning Man is an annual gathering that attracts nearly 80,000 artists, influencers, and other cultural elites for a mix of wilderness camping, communal expression and avant-garde performances.