Two men died within roughly 24 hours at Burning Man as tens of thousands of participants gathered in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. One victim, identified as 60-year-old Craigh Mann, was found dead at his camp on Saturday, Sept. 5. A second man in his mid-50s died after suffering a medical emergency the previous day. Festival organizers said the event was scheduled to conclude Monday, Sept. 7.
The deaths occurred in Black Rock City, the temporary settlement created each year for the festival. Organizers said support resources were available around the clock and described the safety and well-being of participants and staff as a top priority.
| 1) | Two deaths reported during the festival |
| 2) | Craigh Mann was found at his camp |
| 3) | Second participant died after medical emergency |
| 4) | Festival safety resources remained available |
| 5) | Burning Man continued amid large desert gathering |
Two deaths reported during the festival
Festival organizers announced two deaths during the final days of the 2026 Burning Man gathering in Black Rock City, Nevada. The first death was announced Friday evening, followed by the disclosure of Mann’s death on Saturday afternoon. The incidents involved two separate male participants, and organizers did not indicate that the deaths were connected.
The annual event began Aug. 30 and was scheduled to end Monday. It draws as many as 80,000 people, commonly known as burners, to a temporary city in the Nevada desert for art, camps and the burning of a large wooden effigy.
Craigh Mann was found at his camp
Craigh Mann, 60, was found deceased by campmates at his camp in Black Rock City at about 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, according to organizers. No further details about the circumstances of his death were provided.
The announcement identified Mann and extended condolences to his family, friends, campmates and others affected by the loss. His death came approximately one day after organizers reported the first fatal incident of the festival.
“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.”
Second participant died after medical emergency
The first victim was a man in his mid-50s who experienced a medical emergency on Friday. People at the festival provided lifesaving measures before he was taken to the event’s onsite emergency care center.
The man was pronounced dead at the center. Organizers did not release his name because his family had not yet been notified, and they did not disclose the type of medical emergency. No additional medical details were made public.
Festival safety resources remained available
After the first death, organizers said support resources were available around the clock for people in Black Rock City. They also stated that the safety and well-being of the festival community and staff remained their highest priority.
The event takes place in a remote desert environment, where participants and staff rely on onsite services and temporary infrastructure. Organizers did not announce any broad changes to the festival schedule following the two deaths.
Burning Man continued amid large desert gathering
Burning Man continued as tens of thousands of people gathered for the event’s final days. The festival is known for its temporary circular city, large-scale art and annual burning of a wooden Man structure.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office had not immediately provided comment. With the event scheduled to conclude Sept. 7, the available public information remained limited to the organizers’ statements and the known timeline of the two deaths.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two men died within approximately 24 hours during Burning Man 2026. |
| 2 | Craigh Mann, 60, was found dead at his camp on Sept. 5. |
| 3 | A second man in his mid-50s died at the onsite emergency care center after a medical emergency. |
Summary
Two participants died during the final days of Burning Man 2026 in Nevada. Organizers identified one victim as Craigh Mann and said a second man died after receiving emergency treatment onsite. The circumstances of the deaths remained limited in the public statements, while support services continued to be offered to the temporary desert community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the deaths occur?
The first death was announced Friday evening, and Mann was found dead at his camp at about 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.
Who was identified as a victim?
Organizers identified 60-year-old Craigh Mann. The second victim, a man in his mid-50s, was not named because his family had not yet been notified.
Where did the deaths happen?
Mann was found at his camp in Black Rock City. The second man died at the festival’s onsite emergency care center after being transported there for treatment.
