Dear BITF 2018 Participants and GVIAS members,
On Sunday morning, July 15, 2018 at 8:15 am, a participant collapsed in the field camping area at Burn in the Forest. He was attended to immediately by participants, who started CPR, and by an ER doctor and medics, within the first 10 minutes; an ambulance was also called. Unfortunately, pending a confirmation by autopsy, the participant appears to have suffered a fatal cardiac event. If pertinent information becomes available from either the participant’s family and/or the authorities, we will provide an update.
During this difficult time, the GVIAS board would like to encourage everyone to take care of themselves and those around you, as the community processes this loss. Sanctuary services were made available throughout the day on site. Burning Man’s network of Green Dot Black Rock Rangers are also being made available to event staff and Rangers.
If you would like support, please do not hesitate to reach out to your community mental health provider or contact the BC crisis line at 1-800-784-2433. Gathering in person within the local community is also strongly encouraged to help facilitate processing and closure.
GVIAS and all the members of the production team would like to offer our sincerest condolences to his family, camp mates, and loved ones.
Warmly,
The GVIAS Board (Brodie, Ryan, Adrian, Sarah, Tyler, Jennie, Monica and Jen)