Burning Man turned into a nightmare for one family after 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov was found dead in a pool of blood during the 2025 festival in Nevada. What was supposed to be a celebration of art and community became the scene of a crime that shocked attendees and left a father pleading for justice.

Vadim, a Russian national living in Washington State, had traveled to Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man gathering. He never made it back. His body was discovered late on the night of August 30, just as the effigy-burning ceremony began.

An attendee stumbled on the scene and called for help. When police arrived, they found Vadim already dead.

Newsweek / Vadim Kruglov, a 37-year-old Russian national living in Washington State, was found dead in a "pool of blood" on the night of August 30, 2025, during Burning Man's effigy-burning ceremony in Nevada's Black Rock Desert.

Authorities later confirmed his identity through fingerprint records. He was alone. There were no witnesses nearby. The circumstances were grim and unexplained. That silence has become even more painful for his father, Igor Kruglov, who is now calling loudly for answers.

In a video statement recorded in Russian and shared online, Igor spoke with raw emotion.

@dailymail Read his full statement exclusively at Daily Mail. #news#burningman #nevada #crime ♬ original sound - Daily Mail

He called his son a man who stood up for what was right, someone who "felt injustice deeply and fought for fairness always." His voice cracked as he rejected rumors swirling on social media. "My son was not involved with drugs. He was not reckless. He was kind and strong. And he deserves truth, not lies," Igor said.

It is a Homicide Case, Authorities Confirm

The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide. Sheriff Jerry Allen stated that the killing appears to be an isolated act, not connected to any broader threat. Still, the investigation is wide open. Detectives have not named any suspects or shared possible motives.

Burning Man officials say they are working with law enforcement. In a public statement, organizers expressed sympathy for Vadim’s family and emphasized their commitment to supporting the investigation. They have also teamed up with Secret Witness, a local tip line that offers rewards for information. Any lead, no matter how small, could help bring justice.

This year’s Burning Man was supposed to be a return to form after past weather delays and safety issues. The desert was dry, the skies clear, and the energy high. But Vadim’s death shook the community. Some attendees held a quiet vigil the next day. Others wore white as a sign of mourning.

The Victim was a Music Lover

The News / Friends describe Vadim as magnetic and full of life. He was the kind of person who could walk into a room and make everyone feel seen. Reports say that he worked in the tech industry but spent weekends volunteering with local art collectives.

He had a passion for music and often DJed community events.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by friends raised more than $24,000 in just a few days. The funds helped cover the cost of returning Vadim’s body to his hometown of Omsk, Russia, and paid for funeral expenses. The page is now a tribute, filled with messages of grief and love.

What makes this case especially difficult is how little information has been released. Law enforcement is keeping the details close, likely to protect the integrity of the investigation. But that silence leaves a lot of room for speculation.