Authorities in Nevada have announced that they are investigating a death caused by a severe rainstorm that left tens of thousands of attendees at the annual "Burning Man" festival stranded in mud. They have advised festival-goers to seek shelter and conserve food and water.
The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office stated that the death occurred during rainfalls on Saturday but did not provide details about the cause or the identity of the deceased.
Neal Katyal tweeted: "It was an incredibly harrowing 6-mile hike at midnight through heavy and slippery mud, but I got safely out of Burning Man. Never been before and it was fantastic (with brilliant art and fabulous music)…except the ending."
The Sheriff's Office added, "The family has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the death... As the death remains under investigation, no further information is available at this time."
Festival organizers announced via social media that authorities have prohibited access to and from the Black Rock City, which hosts the festival "for the remainder of the event."
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office indicated that entry to the festival site is currently not allowed due to flooding. The festival’s website states that over 60,000 people travel to and from the remote area in northwestern Nevada annually to celebrate the festival.
Attendees gather in Black Rock City to engage in arts, dance, and enjoy the atmosphere for a ticket price of $575 per person.
