Investigation into death of woman on first day of Burning Man festival

Authorities are investigating the death of a woman, identified as 39-year-old Kendra Frazer, who was found unconscious on the opening day of Burning Man, the annual event held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Reno.

According to officials with the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, emergency services were called hours after the festival officially began. Crews affiliated with the nonprofit organization that organizes the event attempted to save the woman but were unable to revive her.

“Kendra’s cause and manner of death are pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology screening,” Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a written statement released to reporters Monday afternoon, noting that her next of kin had been notified. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kendra’s family and friends.”

The festival began early on Sunday after the gates were closed for 12 hours due to rain and mud. An estimated 20,000 people were already on the beach before the gates opened, and organizers expect more than 70,000 to attend this year.

The nine-day event, which draws tens of thousands of people to the arid, barren conditions each year to celebrate community spirit, creativity and the temporary existence of a city based on barter, has been hit by tragedy before.

A 32-year-old California man died last year after he was found unconscious on the festival grounds. Authorities said they suspected drug intoxication. In 2017, 41-year-old Aaron Joel Mitchell died after jumping into the flames during the festival’s final burning ceremony.

Burning Man staff provided support to event attendees and access to the Black Rock City Emergency Services Crisis Support Team.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this loss,” festival organizers said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this incident.”

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting