(KTLA) – A man was discovered dead Saturday night during Nevada’s Burning Man festival, as the event’s iconic “Man” structure began to burn, authorities said. The shocking discovery prompted a criminal investigation while festivalgoers continued to gather in the Black Rock Desert.

According to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a participant flagged down a deputy around 9:14 p.m. on August 30 after finding a white adult male lying in a pool of blood. PCSO deputies, Bureau of Land Management Rangers (BLM), and the Burning Man Project’s Black Rock Rangers responded immediately, securing the area and establishing a perimeter.

Investigators from PCSO and BLM began processing the scene, with assistance from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division. Several festival participants in the immediate area were interviewed, but the identity of the deceased has not yet been released. 

The man’s body was transported to the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office, authorities said.

Officials described the death as a homicide and said it appears to be an isolated incident. “Although this act appears to be a singular crime, all participants should always be vigilant of their surroundings and acquaintances,” the PCSO stated.

The portion of the festival where the incident occurred will remain under heavy law enforcement presence until the scene can be fully processed. Authorities noted the unique challenge of investigating a homicide in a temporary city that will be dismantled by midweek.

Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Investigator Josh Nicholson through the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 775-273-2641.