Fatal Accident Casts a Shadow Over Burning Man [Updated]

After a delayed start, Burning Man has experienced a fatality early Thursday morning after a woman was struck and killed by a passenger bus. The women has not been identified and police are waiting to make the announcement after they notify the next of kin. The news was made public on twitter and by a post on the week long event’s blog.

Fatal accident occurs at Burning Man event – http://t.co/w4LIr5Ap03

— Burning Man (@burningman) August 28, 2014

“This is a terrible accident,” said Burning Man co-founder Marian Goodell. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and campmates. Black Rock Rangers and Emergency Services Department staff are providing support to those affected.”

UPDATE #1: Pershing County has identified the victim of the Thursday morning fatal accident at Black Rock City.

Alicia Louise Cipicchio, a 29-year-old resident of Jackson, Wyoming, suffered fatal injuries early Thursday morning after falling under a large vehicle at the annual Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert in Northern Nevada.

Event officials, including representatives of Black Rock City, the Bureau of Land Management and Pershing County Sheriff’s Office express their condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and campmates of the victim. Support is being provided to those affected by the tragedy.

Organizers are working with investigators from Pershing County Sheriff’s Office to determine the series of events leading to the incident. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigations is asked to contact (775) 273-2641.

UPDATE #2: The organizers just posted that there will be a moment of silence out of respect for Alicia and her family.

We’re going to stay quiet for a little bit, out of respect for the family and friends of the woman who lost her life in Black Rock City. Keep them in your thoughts.

The Official Burning Man Blog (#1) (#2)