A father from Russia, devastated by the tragic circumstances surrounding his son, called for accountability regarding the death of his son who was found in a “blood pool” at the Burning Man Festival. This plea came on Thursday after he learned that his 37-year-old son, Vadim Kruglov, had died last Saturday at the desert event.
“Words can’t express this,” said Igor Kruglov. The father’s emotions were palpable as he reflected on his son’s deeply held beliefs in justice. “I think something unjust happened here,” he stated in Russian. “The world can be so unfair, yet as a peaceful individual, I seek justice. I want those responsible to be held accountable.”
Igor expressed his gratitude towards Vadim’s friends who worked to shed light on the mystery of his son’s passing.
In a moment of nostalgia, he mentioned, “Through his art and kindness, the world truly got to know him.”
Vadim, originally from Siberia but living in Tacoma, Washington, attended the nine-day festival that started on August 24. Unfortunately, a friend reported his absence a couple of days later, raising alarm about his safety.
“He hasn’t been in touch since. His tent and belongings are still here, but he never made it back,” wrote Sofiia Shcherbakova, a friend who joined him at Burning Man, on Instagram.
Vadim’s body was discovered around 9 PM on Saturday, lying in a blood pool near a large wooden sculpture that was aflame amidst the festivities.
Authorities confirmed he was identified through fingerprints, and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office has categorized his death as a homicide, ongoing investigations are in place.
Even though the festival concluded on Monday, organizers pledged to assist law enforcement in the investigation.
“The Burning Man Project is doing everything possible to aid the sheriff so they can pursue the responsible individuals,” said a spokesperson for the Festival Association.
Reports from festival attendees suggested encounters with a “disturbed” individual wielding a knife on the night of the incident, raising further concerns about security at the event.
Sources elaborated that Vadim suffered multiple stab wounds, prompting authorities to treat the case as potential murder.
A crowdfunding campaign was started to help return Vadim’s body to Serbia and honor him, stating, “his impact will be part of the history of Burning Man forever.”
“Vadim contributed so much to our community: building camps, creating artwork, and spreading kindness,” wrote Vlad Piggin, a friend and fundraiser, in a tribute.
This was Vadim’s first visit to Burning Man, and Piggin shared that he was genuinely excited about participating in the community, creating art, and bringing joy to others.
Piggin also attempted to quash rumors about possible drug use, which Igor echoed in his statement.
“We want to clarify any misinformation that may arise,” Igor emphasized, defending his son’s character. “He was a genuinely honest person, and I won’t stand by while falsehoods, like drug associations, tarnish his name.”
