Updated Wednesday, September 10, 2025 9:00pm PT
Burning Man Project is committed to the safety of our community and to supporting those working to bring justice in this tragic case. Secret Witness has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation. To support these efforts, Burning Man Project has contributed an additional $5,000 to the reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible. This brings the total reward to $10,000.
We thank Secret Witness of Northern Nevada for their decades of service and dedication to solving serious crimes in the region. If you have any information that may assist in this investigation, please contact Secret Witness at 775-322-4900 and reference Pershing County Sheriff’s Office case # 25-318.
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Updated Friday, September 5, 2025 3:00pm PT:
A GoFundMe has been organized by some of Vadim’s friends to assist with costs related to returning Vadim back to his family in Omsk, Russia.
One of Vadim’s friends, Sofia, writes that 2025 was Vadim’s first trip to Burning Man.
“We want Vadim to be remembered as the talented, bright, and inspiring human being that he was. Let his memory remain as a creator, a dreamer, and a man who gave love.”
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office continues to request any and all information that may assist in their investigation. If you know something, or you were in the vicinity of 8:30 & I on Burn night, please call 775-273-2641 and reference case # 25-318.
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Updated Wednesday, September 3, 2025 12:15pm PT:
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has identified the decedent as Vadim Kruglov, 37, from Russia. Our hearts go out to Vadim’s family and friends and we grieve the loss of a community member. 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.
“Burning Man Project extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Kruglov’s loved ones as they prepare to return him home to Russia,” Marian Goodell, CEO of Burning Man Project said. “We also extend our compassion to our wider community of participants, volunteers, and staff alike. Together, we strive to uphold the values at the heart of the Burning Man community.”
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office continues to request any and all information that may assist in their investigation. If you know something, or you were in the vicinity of 8:30 & I on Burn night, please call 775-273-2641 and reference case # 25-318.
This is a developing situation. Check back for updates.
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Updated Monday, September 1, 2025 11:00am PT:
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is requesting any information to assist with their investigation. They are specifically looking for help to identify the decedent, a single white male, age 35-40, approximately 6 feet tall, 200 lbs, with short brown hair and facial hair. Read more here.
- Black Rock Rangers are available to provide peer support services 24/7 at Ranger HQ (Esplanade & 6:30) and Outposts (behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas).
- Black Rock City’s Emergency Services Department’s Crisis Support team are available 24/7 at the ESD stations located at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.
