Three people died in connection with this year's Burning Man festival, tripling the average number of deaths linked to the annual event. The festival, which brings tens of thousands to Nevada's desert, concluded on 7 September.
The increase in fatalities comes as news reports indicate a rising average age among attendees. There are now fewer participants in their 20s, with more in their 40s and 50s. Data from the Black Rock City census shows that participants in their 20s dropped from approximately 30% in 2014 to 10% in 2025, while the percentage of those in their 40s and 50s rose.
Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen confirmed two deaths occurred within the festival grounds and a third person died while in transit to a hospital in Reno. The first reported death, on 3 September, was a man in his mid-50s found on a street within the festival. The second, on 5 September, was a 60-year-old man found deceased in his trailer. No signs of foul play were reported for these first two deaths.