(KTLA) – A man was found dead on Saturday night during Nevada’s Burning Man festival, as the festival’s famous “Man” structure was set ablaze, authorities reported. This unexpected discovery has initiated a criminal investigation, even as festivalgoers continued assembling in the Black Rock Desert.

The Pershing County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) stated that around 9:14 p.m. on August 30, a festival attendee alerted a deputy after discovering a white adult male lying in a pool of blood. PCSO deputies collaborated with Bureau of Land Management Rangers (BLM) and the Burning Man Project’s Black Rock Rangers, who promptly secured the area and set up a perimeter.

Investigations commenced with PCSO and BLM handling the scene, supported by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division. Although several festival participants nearby were questioned, the identity of the deceased remains undisclosed.

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

Authorities classified the death as a homicide and suggested it seems to be an isolated event. “Despite this act appearing to be a lone crime, all attendees should remain aware of their surroundings and acquaintances,” the PCSO advised.

Heavy law enforcement presence will persist in the festival section where the incident occurred until the investigation is complete. Officials acknowledged the unique difficulty of probing a homicide in a provisional city that will be dismantled by the week’s end.

Individuals possessing any relevant information about the case are encouraged to reach out to Investigator Josh Nicholson via the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 775-273-2641.