Fundraiser launched as victim of suspected Burning Man homicide identified

A fundraiser has been launched to cover repatriation costs for 37-year-old Vadim Kruglov, who was discovered dead at Burning Man in August.

It follows the identification of the suspected homicide victim after he was found “lying in a pool of blood” on Saturday, August 30, on the penultimate day of the annual festival.

Vadim, who was a Russian native living in Washington state, was discovered “obviously deceased” at around 9:14PM, just as festivities were kicking off for the annual burning of the wooden effigy.

A GoFundMe campaign has now been launched to help cover costs of sending Kruglov’s body back to Omsk in Russia, so that his parents can “say their last goodbye and lay him to rest with his loved ones.”

“A true hero of Burning Man, Vadim Kruglov, has tragically passed away,” reads the fundraiser. “Vadim poured his soul into our community: building camp, creating art, helping others, and always sharing his kindness and energy.”

“His contributions will forever remain part of the Burn’s history,” it continues. “Now, we want to honor his memory and support his family. We ask everyone who knew and appreciated him to contribute. Any support, big or small, means the world.”

The crowdfunder has so far accumulated over $37,000. Vadim’s father, Igor Dmitrievich Kruglov, spoke out on his son’s death for the first time on Thursday, September 4, saying that he is now “seeking justice”.

“I’m proud of my son, now known worldwide,” he said (translated from Russian via The Independent). “He felt injustice deeply and always fought for fairness.”

“This world is often unfair but, as a peaceful man, I seek justice,” he said. “I want those responsible to face consequences.”

Donate to Vadim’s fundraiser here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter