Update: September 10, 2026
We are deeply saddened whenever the Burning Man community experiences a loss and extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, campmates and all those affected. This includes a Burning Man participant, Armando Ramirez, 51 from Truckee, who experienced a serious medical emergency in Black Rock City during the early hours of Friday September 4 and immediately received on-site lifesaving measures, later passing during transport to Reno for medical care.
The deaths of three Burning Man participants in 2026 all appear to be from natural causes, but we defer to the medical examiner for official determinations. It is our understanding that the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has announced an investigation for all deaths that have occurred at Burning Man during Sheriff Allen’s tenure, no matter the circumstances. We are not aware of the outcomes of any law-enforcement investigations related to these deaths.
People come to Black Rock City seeking friendship, creative collaboration, shared responsibility and a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere. We encourage and ask that people focus on the contributions of the individuals lost and avoid speculation about the circumstances of their passing out of respect for the participants and their families.
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Update: September 5, 2026
Burning Man Project is saddened to share that a second Black Rock City participant, Craigh Mann, a 60 year-old man, was found deceased by campmates in his camp on Saturday, September 5, at approximately 3 PM.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the participant’s family, friends, campmates, and all those affected by this loss.
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Original statement September 4, 2026 8:48pm
It is with heavy hearts that Burning Man Project confirms a Black Rock City participant in his mid-50s experienced a medical emergency, immediately received lifesaving measures, and was transported to the onsite center for emergency care where he was pronounced deceased. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the participant’s family, friends, and those affected by this loss.
The participant’s name will not be released until his family has been notified.
The safety and well-being of our community and staff remain our highest priority. If you’re in Black Rock City and need support, resources are available 24 hours a day:
- Black Rock Rangers provide peer support at Ranger HQ (6:30 & Esplanade) and at the Ranger Outposts behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.
- Black Rock City’s Emergency Services Department’s Crisis Support team is available at ESD stations at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.
