The grieving father of the Russian national who was found dead in a “pool of blood” after going missing at the Burning Man festival demanded “consequences” Thursday for the suspects involved in his son’s tragic death.
Igor Kruglov said “words can’t express” his anguish after he learned that his 37-year-old son Vadim Kruglov died at the desert festival last Saturday, in a heart-wrenching video statement released on Facebook.
“He felt injustice deeply and fought for fairness always. I believe a similar situation occurred here,” Igor stated in Russian. “This world is often unfair, but as a peaceful man, I seek justice. I want those responsible to face consequences.”
Igor said he is “deeply grateful” for his son’s friends and those who helped to make sense of the mystery behind Vadim’s death.
In a moment of reflection, the proud father said the “world saw him as he truly was” through his artwork and kindness.
Kruglov, a Russian national from Siberia living in Tacoma, Wash., arrived at the nine-day-long desert art festival held in Pershing County, Nevada, on Aug. 24.
However, two days later, friends had reported Kruglov as missing and began worrying about his safety.
“He has not been in contact since. His tent and belongings were left at camp, but he never returned,” Sofiia Shcherbakova, who attended Burning Man alongside Kruglov, wrote on Instagram.
Kruglov’s lifeless body was discovered in a “pool of blood” at around 9 p.m. on Saturday, right as the “Man,” a towering, human-shaped wooden sculpture at the center of the festival grounds in Black Rock City, was set ablaze and burned to the ground for festivalgoers.
Kruglov was identified by his fingerprints and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office is investigating his death as a homicide, authorities said in a news release obtained by SFGate.
The festival concluded on Monday, but organizers stated that they will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Burning Man Project is doing everything we can to assist the Sheriff’s investigation so the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice,” the festival association said in a statement.
According to the Daily Mail, festival-goers in online chat groups recounted run-ins with an “unhinged” stranger the night of the killing — a man who allegedly boasted about having a knife and cleaning blood from his RV.
Festivalgoers in online chat groups recounted run-ins with an “unhinged” stranger who allegedly boasted about having a knife and cleaning blood from his RV, according to the Daily Mail.
Sources familiar with the case also told the outlet that Kruglov was allegedly stabbed multiple times and his death is being investigated as a “deliberate homicide.”
A GoFundMe set up to help Kruglov’s family send his body back to Serbia and for funeral expenses said, “his contributions will forever remain part of the Burn’s history.”
“Vadim poured his soul into our community: building camp, creating art, helping others, and always sharing his kindness and energy,” the fundraising page organizer and Kruglov’s friend, Vlad Pigin, wrote.
Pigin told the Daily Mail that it was Kruglov’s first time attending Burning Man — a decision he made “last minute.”
“At Burning Man, he threw himself wholeheartedly into helping his camp, building, creating art, and sharing his joy with everyone around him,” the grieving friend said.
“His excitement was contagious, and he filled his social media with photos of his beaming smile and the adventures he was so proud to be part of.”
Pigin also dispelled rumors that Kruglov was taking drugs, which Igor also reiterated.
“I want to make an official statement to preempt any rumors or distortion of information,” Igor said in his statement.
“My son was incredibly honest and a great person. I will not allow anyone to tarnish his reputation with false claims of drug connections or anything else.”
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