Following the announcement of a tragic death on the first day of Burning Man 2024, the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has revealed the victim’s identity.
Authorities on Monday identified the deceased as Kendra Frazer, a 39-year-old woman. She was pronounced dead on Sunday, August 25th after the event’s emergency services personnel responded to a report of an “unresponsive individual” at 11:29am and unsuccessfully performed life-saving measures on the scene.
The cause of Frazer’s death, which occurred before the official start of Burning Man, is under investigation. Her next of kin have been notified.
“Kendra’s cause and manner of death are still pending results of an autopsy and toxicology screening,” Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendra’s family and friends.”
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this loss,” adds a statement released by Burning Man Project, the nonprofit that produces the annual gathering in Black Rock City.
Burning Man Project says its Black Rock Rangers—veteran “Burners” who help participants and staff throughout the event—are available to provide peer support services at Ranger HQ (5:45 & Esplanade) and Outposts (behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas). The same goes for Burning Man’s Emergency Services Department’s Crisis Support team, which can be reached at the ESD stations located at 5:15 & Esplanade and behind the 3:00 and 9:00 Plazas.
Organizers expect over 70,000 people to attend this year’s event on the playa. Burning Man began on Sunday, Aug 25th and will conclude Monday, September 2nd.
