According to the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office, the homicide victim killed during this year’s Burning Man has been identified by his finger prints, and Pershing Sheriff Jerry Allen is calling for any information into the circumstances of his death.
The victim was discovered during or immediately before the burn of the “Man” on August 30, 2025. According to a Sheriff Allen, a deputy was flagged down by an event participant at around 9:14 p.m. stating a man was lying in a pool of blood.
Deputies and BLM Rangers found a white male adult lying on the ground of a camp, “obviously deceased.” A perimeter was established and PCSO and BLM began processing the scene.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division was called to assist with evidence, and Sheriff Allen reported that the portion of the “City” surrounding the site would have “heavy law enforcement presence” until the scene could be released.
On Monday, PCSO issued another release asking for information both regarding the crime itself, described as “heinous” by Sheriff Allen, as well as the identity of the victim.
He was described as being between the ages of 35 and 40, approximately 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, with short brown hair and facial hair.
On Wednesday, the Washoe Medical Examiner’s Office was able to identify the victim by his fingerprints as 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov of Washington State.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Josh Nicholson at (775) 273 2641 or by emailing jnicholson@pershingcountynv.gov
PCSO deputies also announced two other arrests were made associated with Burning Man.
Burner charged with multiple rape, burglary charges, held on $640,000 bail
On Tuesday, they reported a victim had come forward Monday stating she’d been sexually assaulted while at the festival.
“The victim cooperated with an interview and provided a very distinct description of the male suspect, which is sometimes very difficult to obtain at a Festival such as Burning Man,” Sheriff Allen wrote. “A search of the remaining Festival area began to attempt to locate the suspect.”
On Tuesday, the suspect was found and identified as Alessandro Boshant, a 34-year-old resident of southern California. PCSO deputies interviewed him and arrested him shortly after.
Boshant has been charged with four counts of sexual assault/rape, and one violation of burglary of a structure.
His bail has been set at $640,000.
Felon arrested for firearm, ‘large quantity’ of drug possession
Finally, PCSO reported that on Monday around 2 a.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle in violation of the Burning Man Festival permit.
During a search of the vehicle, the driver identified as Michael Olney was found to be in possession of two firearms and “large quantities of several different illicit substances … items which would show an intent to sell or distribute.”
He was arrested and booked on the following felony charges: possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (two counts); sell or transport controlled substances; trafficking; possession/manufacture of a dangerous weapon.
He’s being held on a $92,500 bail.
