death toll

[texxx]

so i heard about the one girl that fell off an art car and got run over by another one... is that it??
morbid, maybe, but i wanna know the cost of this event in terms of human lives.

[rainbow]

hi all
my name is natalie

i personally would like to see more discussion of the deaths/injuries at burning man. weed out truth from rumor. promote future awareness. in 2001, a campmate of mine died, took his own life, in a very tragic way. i was suprised to realize nearly every burner i talked to had no idea, and the rest of them had misinformation.

this message was sent to me by a good friend and fellow burner.
its a long one, but worth it if your curious!
here's to sending out truths!


>This was posted this morning on the Gigsville list. It is the story of the
>girl who was killed when she jumped from an Art Car on Sat am.
>
>rob
>
>
>
>
>i am going to share something with you all now. most of you heard about
>the tragic artcar death that occurred early saturday morning. my good
>friend Randy Emata was driving that artcar when the accident occurred,
>and he has requested circulation of his statement so that people will
>know firsthand the truth of what happened. his forwarded message
>follows:
>
>Please excuse the group e-mail but I wanted to share a couple of
>experiences I had this past week that will explain my actions,
>currently and hopefully not too drawn out future.
>
>I was part of an annual 33,000 attendees week long party in the desert
>called Burning Man. A gathering I’ve come to understand and love. A
>community that to most is questionable, but to some perfectly defined.
>Survival is extreme and the ideals and standards are stentorian in
>every direction. It’s a place where judgment is left at home and
>inhibition has run wild, ultimately ending in the spectacular burn of
>an 80-foot, imposing wooden structure of the ‘Man’. Primarily, an
>adult playground. Each individual interprets the reason and meaning of
>the ‘Burn’. Some see it as re-birth of themselves, some see it as a
>spiritual revolution, and others see it simply as a pyromaniacs dream
>come true. Part of my draw is the creativity, selflessness, beauty and
>the gargantuan events in partying. Outsiders and possibly, with
>preference, some insiders see it as Sodom and Gomorrah, but I see as a
>giant love and art festival that comes out to the middle of nowhere for
>a week and leaves without a trace. can only scratch the surface of
>what this is all about. Experiencing it first hand is the only way to
>comprehend why so many people are magnetically attracted to the ‘Burn’.
>
>Unfortunately, with this many people, coupled with the heightened party
>environment, there are chances of misfortunes. I was a part of one of
>those misfortunes this past weekend.
>
>Some may have heard of a fatal accident at this year’s ‘Burn’ but
>didn’t get any definite details. The news traveled worldwide and is
>continuing to grow as the days pass. Information remains vague because
>of the nature of the “accident” and individuals are not being exposed
>for protection of those involved and also for the fact that no criminal
>charges have been placed from both the State of Nevada and the members
>of the victim’s family. But, for those that are close to me, I want
>the story to be told…
>
>First, a little background on the “I’m OK, You’re OK Corral”; I’m
>second year burner and have joined a beautiful circle of old and new
>friends. Most have attended the ‘Burn’ for many years and have always
>encouraged me to go; now I’m hooked. This last event, the group has
>grown to fifty plus, ranging from young and old, rich to poor, artsy
>fartsy types to corporate types… you get the idea. Our camp is
>composed of rented motor homes, custom busses, small tents, moving
>trucks and the hand built, two stories high ‘House of Folly’. Our
>pride and joy-center piece is called “Bar Car”. Certain individuals in
>our camp have converted a simple van into a serious, moving party
>machine that can only be described as a two story high, extremely loud
>and bright, rolling night club. This year Bar Car was also pulling a
>trailer with additional bass speakers, full size couch and beverage
>containers. Following ‘Bar Car’ was a self-powered ‘chill out’ lounge
>comprising of an Air Stream trailer. It was call ‘The Love Sub’. The
>spectacle was a magnificent sight and truly a magnet to anyone nearby.
>
>A typical night out starts around 9 or 10 and continues anywhere from 2
>to 5 in the morning. We cruise around to many of the hundreds of theme
>camps, parties and dance areas, occasionally visiting many of the
>freestanding individual art pieces sprinkled about the two-mile
>diameter of the open ‘playa’. The art pieces range from big to bigger,
>with a wide range of expression and costing anywhere from a few bucks
>to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Part of the beauty and immensity
>is that no one is out to make a buck. All the money goes back into the
>event’s art and organization.
>
>Friday night was an evening of enormous proportions. We started off
>with and event called “99 Brides” where everyone from our camp, along
>with folks from a few other camps, wore wedding dresses. We all went
>out and got married to the “Man” and to each other. Not to be taken
>literally by most, but a fun event nonetheless. We traveled around the
>‘Burn’ and just had a ball. A few hours later, we all decided to go
>back to the camp to re-group and change into warmer clothing. (Desert
>weather is brutal in both directions of temperature). Around 2AM we
>were on our way again, this time with me in the driver seat. We
>cruised around the camps for a while before I started to head for the
>‘Temple of Honor’. The ‘Temple’ is the second largest icon of the
>‘Burn’ and goes down in flames on Sunday night. It’s a multi-story
>structure made of black and white patterned paper on a cardboard and
>wood frame, a dignified architecture where people leave written
>messages and gifts to those who have passed on. Doubtless, the most
>emotional area, filled with an infinite amount of grief, pain and
>reminiscence. I passed by the ‘Temple’ and moved on so as to not
>disturb those inside by the high volume of the sound system. A few
>moments later, the most horrific tragedy ensued.
>
>Cathy, our newest and youngest member was a tall and beautiful young
>lady, a quiet person with eyes that enjoyed every second of her
>newfound experience. If a camera that could take a thousand pictures a
>second existed, she would’ve owned it. She wanted to take home and
>share this event with everyone at home. I only knew her for a short
>time, spending maybe a total of 2 of hours of interaction with her, but
>in those brief moments I found a new friend. We had a couple of
>conversations, we danced, I watched her dance, she danced some more,
>and I guess you can say she liked to dance. Her long straight, black
>hair flowed with every move and all I could think was that her
>expressions were genuine, full of life, full of passion. Even though
>we all just met her, we all knew her. She was each and every one of us
>the first time we stepped foot on that ancient desert lakebed.
>
>Cathy decided she wanted to see the ‘Temple of Honor’. She climbed
>down from the second story, stepped to the back right of ‘Bar Car’ and
>jumped off while we were in motion. Somehow, she ended up falling back
>towards ‘Bar Car’. I will never forget the feeling that surged into my
>hands through the steering wheel. My worst fears were followed by a
>myriad of terrified voices, screaming for me to stop the car. I ran
>back and discovered that the trailer ran her over. Her life was slowly
>coming to an end as she breathed less and less. Revival was attempted,
>but failure was inevitable. Someone grabbed a spectator’s bicycle and
>speed off to a nearby ranger. Soon after the Sheriffs showed up with
>an ambulance, taking her to the medical center. A helicopter was on
>its way. As I was writing out my statement, a deputy told me that the
>helicopter left without her and that she didn’t make it. My heart sank
>deeper than the oceans; my life paused for what seemed to be an
>eternity. The terrible news eventually reached everyone on ‘Bar Car’,
>a new level of desolation proceeded and the mourning began. The
>standard criminal investigation started and lasted just passed 5AM. I
>took two Breathalyzer tests, both coming up zero. I also volunteered
>to take a legal blood test. Most of you who know me are aware of my
>preferences to keep any illegal substances out of my body. Needless to
>say, for my sake and for the outcome of the accident, I was relieved
>the situation went only this far.
>
>Saturday’s events took place. A funeral, a few moments at a memorial,
>a visit to the ‘Temple’ and a slow walk back to the camp. I went back
>with my cousin and found the location of the accident. We constructed
>a simple shrine made up of extra pieces from the ‘Temple’. I slowly
>walked back alone with my collective thoughts. Back at camp, everyone
>floated around in gloom and sadness. The sounds of crying and quiet
>conversations whispered as our tragic story replayed itself in our
>heads. Sometime in the afternoon, everyone silently started the
>breakdown of the camp, a few of us went to clean up ‘Bar Car’ and our
>evening meal was prepared. Just before 9PM, we all changed and
>gathered behind ‘The Love Sub’. On foot, we followed the ‘Sub’ to the
>‘Man’ and waited for the burn to begin. As expected, we witnessed the
>impossible to explain burning of the ‘Man’, an event so large and
>amazing we’ve all come to appreciate it’s immense power. But, this
>time there was an added meaning. Amidst the largest party in the
>world, there stood in a group hug, fifty people weeping for our
>boundless loss. We closed our evening at our camp surrounding a small
>bonfire. A few speeches were spoken, a song was sung and folks slowly
>retired to a much-needed slumber.
>
>Sunday, the majority of the camp went home. My cousin and I stayed
>behind to watch the ‘Temple’ burn. An experience most of the camp have
>yet to encounter. I found it more to my liking, much smaller, more
>intimate and most appealing, very quiet. I felt it even more necessary
>for my own healing to witness the burn as to honor Cathy’s last wish
>before leaving us. It was beautiful. I’ve never seen such detail and
>contrast in a fire. It looked like magic as the different colors flew
>around forming shapes and spirals found only in such a unique
>structure. Compounded with the dramatic display of sorrow amongst the
>observers, I encountered another facet of my soul. Cathy will be
>missed. Cathy will be remembered.
>
>Thank you for listening and helping me to process my adventures. Till
>next time…


i identify very much with this story. the burner i knew that died, morgan, i didnt know very well before that week. and although i knew and camped with someone whose life ended at burningman, it isnt the first thing i relate to virgin (or non) ears about the event. it doesn't change my overwhelmingly positive vue of the event. it's an amazingly powerful place. and i feel privilaged to dwell amongst you all once a year.
LETS SHARE IT. REALLY SHARE IT. THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE GROTESQUE, THE BEAUTIFUL, THE REAL, THE US.
LETS EVOLVE!!!

[amazon]

http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/20 ... 3=Umbrella

[nodule]

I've also heard that one of the injured from the second plane crash at BRC airport last week is in a coma and near death, after sufferring significant brain damage, and that a Colorado woman died in an accident on I-80 near Elko Nevada on her way home.

These are tragedies, but I think a good perspective is to consider what may have happened in other communities of 30,000 people that week. If we weren't at Burning Man, we'd be somewhere else and accidents happen everywhere.

Dan

[rrovai]

Thank you for sharing the story of what really went on. I've passed it on to those that have asked.

R

[Sard Rocklifter]

I very much appreciate the post retelling the story of Cathy's death on the playa. All citizens of BRC should see this, and realize that we are all so fragile. Though Cathy's death was a tragic accident, she was lucky to be surrounded by her friends and held close by the love in their hearts as she passed. I will remember her story, I will remember her though I never met her, and I know that her accident will serve as a reminder to us all to be careful out there... the laws of physics reign supreme.
Again, thank you for sharing, and may Cathy be remembered when we gather every year.

[whkdc]

It seems strange how the number of deaths at BM is tallied. I say this because of the SJMercury article which states:

"Katherine Lampman's death early Saturday at the Burning Man counterculture festival in the Nevada desert was the first time that a participant died during the event, organizers said."

complete article here: http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/6671647.htm

I did know of Morgans death, (which maybe is considered different due to the way he died) and have 'heard' of others. (some obviously seem exagerated rumors of people getting hurt) but to say 'this is the first time a participant died" is interested. I'm hoping the info is true, if not, well then...

[precipitate]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

[Halo Joe]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

Especially considering how many municipalities of 30,000 would be ecstatic to have only ONE death in a week.

(Please don't think I'm trying to trivialize what happened. I just think it's amazing that we don't have dozens of serious injuries and deaths each year, especially when one considers the growing population of our lil' experiment in "radical self-expression and self-reliance.")

[clandyone]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

Waitaminnit, weren't there a couple people who died in '96 when someone ran over their tent in a pickup? Or am I remembering wrong?

[Halo Joe]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

Waitaminnit, weren't there a couple people who died in '96 when someone ran over their tent in a pickup? Or am I remembering wrong?

I thought we'd had deaths before as well, but I can't pinpoint them. (Imagine that, not remember something from the playa...)

[Hoopes]

Here's a picture and eulogy for the pilot who died giving people free flights over BRC.
http://www.shadetreeflyingclub.org/Barry.htm

There is also a truly horrible story on the E-Playa under Experiences->Identify this Burner who died on the road home about a 33-year-old woman who died when her SUV rolled after she overcorrected while nodding off at the wheel.
http://www.elkodaily.com/articles/2003/09/02/news/local/news2.txt

Here's an article about the funeral service for Kathy Lampman, who died jumping off an art car:
http://www.sfexaminer.com/templates/story.cfm?displaystory=1&storyname=090303n_burningman

Be thankful YOU survived Burning Man 2003, but don't ever forget the people who didn't.

[s5]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

Waitaminnit, weren't there a couple people who died in '96 when someone ran over their tent in a pickup? Or am I remembering wrong?

someone's tent was hit by a car in 1996 and his head was run over. he was in a coma for months, but survived. his rave group put on several benefits to pay for his hospitalization. if i remember right, there was also a death in 1996, but i can't remember the details.

[III]

i discussed this with micheal micheal once, who was very proud of the fact that there had never actually been a death "at burningman, during the festival". his hair splitting involved both those terms, meaning that the motorcyclist who died in '96 died after the even was officially over (hours after, but still). other people died after having been medivaced out, or after the event was over from injuries sustained during the event, or on the roads into and out of the event.

made me wonder if the real "spirit of burning man" was just about spinning your justifications...

[theshaman]

I heard from several people on the porch about a skydiver that was killed when their chute malfuctioned.

I am a skydiver and know all of the people at Burning Sky. I immeditely checked in and found out that this was totally untrue. There were no skydiving incidents or deaths on the playa this year

[s5]

I heard from several people on the porch about a skydiver that was killed when their chute malfuctioned.

I am a skydiver and know all of the people at Burning Sky. I immeditely checked in and found out that this was totally untrue. There were no skydiving incidents or deaths on the playa this year

i was biking back from the trash fence, and out of nowhere, a parachute dropped from the sky right in front of me. it was very bizarre. people came rushing from everywhere to see if someone was hurt, but there was no one attached to the parachute. someone guessed that it was probably just the skydiver's spare chute that they deployed, and that was that. maybe that was the source of the rumor?

[ignatia_amara]

I heard from several people on the porch about a skydiver that was killed when their chute malfuctioned.

I am a skydiver and know all of the people at Burning Sky. I immeditely checked in and found out that this was totally untrue. There were no skydiving incidents or deaths on the playa this year

Last year, a skydiver's chute failed to open all the way and she injured her ankle. Luckily, she missed the dangerous, spiky art piece that was nearby. She said she was grateful that a BUNCH of people ran to her aid after she fell.

[Alchemy]

and desidedly a carnivour. We buy the tickets..READ them. We assume all responsibility and risk serious injury or death by attending. Be aware that death stalks you just like Uncle Castanada sayz....We must be warriors in our pilgrimage.
Last year was a free zone. No Deaths?Great weather...
Didnt we all feel it just a little funked around the edges this year,perhaps frenzied,the man just a little to ragey?No?
Mars and retro mercury...it was a dark and stormy nite.But didnt it sparkle?We get casualties every year. Spooky roads funky weather..biggg trucks.
Spend a little time with your nose to the wind ear to the ground..put out some feelers.Listen to that lil voise that says..hey becareful bad shit ahead.

In the mean time ..cant we do somethin to improove the safty of those damn roads?

[Kinetic]

In the mean time ..cant we do somethin to improove the safty of those damn roads?

Yeah, we can do something. A couple of things. 1: Re-emphasize what open range means...those signs on 447 are there for a reason. Next, if BM gets to stay in Gerlach and on the playa, the worst areas on 447 could be identified and maybe Nevada DOT could be lobbied to make some small changes...I'm sure funding is tight though...but maybe a sign or a guard rail somewhere might make a difference...this one requires some thought.

Next, for those coming in from the East, a few minor low cost upgrades like a pass with a road grader would do wonders for Jungo Road.

I could go on and on but while these are tragic events....let's make something positive come from it. Katharine Lampman and the others will not have died for nothing. As for Katharine, her passing can be a catalyst to improve the safety, and the overall appearance of the art cars on the playa, while keeping them relatively wild as a BM project should be.

And while I'm thinking of Katherine...at least she died being with her friends and on the playa....I almost died 2 years ago in an auto accident in Southwest Missouri...alone, down a steep hillside in the trees....she died in the company of friends....and her spirit will live on.

[Ranger Mickey]

1996 was an interesting year (my first at BM).



We were much farther out from the road, and so we had a long drive (12 miles east, two miles south) to the city. People were going about from 40 to 70 mph on the hard-packed playa; it was obviously dusty with very little visibilty. It looked like this:

.

In the middle of this a guy known for saying he wouldn't live to be 30 and driving his motorcycle like a demon around San Francisco's Mission district thought that playing chicken with vehicles would be a good idea. Michael Fury plowed head-long into a vehicle and died, but I believe it was before the event actually started. (My memory may not serve; google had surprisingly little and what I found was almost certainly error-prone. My sister had an acquaintance with the deceased and might have attended his funeral in the city.)

[TimberNala]

A man drowned in Lake Tahoe the same weekend as BM....
People die, are injured, everyday.
among 30,000 at a temporary community, or 150,000 in a small city....
it happens.

Sometimes at the fault of others, or from their own simple mistakes....

I am truley sorry for the families of the plane crash, several car accidents and Kathy.....but how can anyone blame the BM event?
It is fate when someone dies.

IT IS STUPIDITY when driving home under sleep deprived conditions...as I told my husband many times on 447 DO NOT PASS this one car, look how many more are ahead...take it slow and we will get home soon enough. LET me drive if it is driving you nuts....amazingly he listened after seeing a few cars pass us and come up fast with oncoming traffic....crazy fuc*s.

[fresh]

Not including any accidents to and from burningman. I know of two deaths this year. I do not know about the guy who committed suicide, I do know about the girl who fell from the art car and the pilot of one of the plane crashes.
In fact my friends were on their bikes holding onto the car when Cathy fell My one friend was right where she fell, but move away a minute before it happened. He said he might have been able to prevented her death. It was not what I wanted to hear when I asked them how was their night....

The pilot of the plane, Barry Jacobs, died on September 3rd after being in a coma. He was camped with one of my old girlfriends and I met him at her New Years Eve party last year. I barely remember meeting him, and his loss is horrifying.

It is horrible to hear about these accidents. It is part of lie and Burningman does push one to the limits of life. It is about freedom and releasing spirit. It is surprising that there are not more accidents happening, but I believe that most are more acutely aware of their well being and survival while on the playa. I cannot begin to express how hurtful a loss is, that is why I cry at the temple remembering those who I lost in life much before their time.

I hope we can only look forward and realize the even in with these tradgedies, Cathy and Barry were happy about life since they were on the playa and their good spirits will stay there forever.....

[fresh]

ok i figured i did the vision quest wheel three times and failed at all three...

the first i finally made a connection with. I wrote in my notebook "bring something to worship and three people to worship with" was wondering post playa where that came from.

the second was have someone name me, now i already got a new name for the rangers and my other nicknames and my name. the last thing i needed.

the third was to have someone trade clothes with me. the only real regret for not doing....


i did join in on a kick ass sing along at the vision quest camp. Black water never sounded so good!!!!! thank guys...

[PJ]

It is fate when someone dies.

Sometimes it's merely irresponsible driving.

[Halo Kitty]

Hello all, my name is Bronwyn and this years Burn was my first. I would like to thank all of those that have shared what the have heard or expeirenced in respect to Kathy Lampman, Barry Jacobs and the 33 year old woman from Colorado. I remember back in January when I was preparing for this year and what i felt most was fear. Being a worry wart i was concerned that i would not be safe. But like Kathy would not miss it for the world. The stories of these three people have moved me to tears. I was not fortunat enough to have shared a moment in the lives of these three. I will assume from my tears and what i have read that others were blessed to have shared a part of their lives and i thank you for letting others hear theirs and your stories.
My heart goes out to the families, friends new and old of these three people. May the spirit, energy and love they gave to you bring you comfort and peace.
I would also like to thank the Burners with more experience for their love and friendship. It is because of you, that newbies, such as in my case had a wonderful and safe experience.
Accidents will and DO happen. It is important that myth and truth are clarified so that we can improve upon each year.
Special thanks to Camp Cherry for your love and openess
I will remember Kathy, Jacob and the still unidetified woman and that is TRUTH.

[BlueBirdPoof]

morbid, maybe, but i wanna know the cost of this event in terms of human lives.

In the "Afterburn Report" for both 2001 and 2002 Emergency Services gives a paragraph on the injury statistics for that year. I thought there was something more complete, but I didn't find it. As for 2003, there were, I believe, 19 helicopter rides off the playa--this includes the pilot of the second plane, but not Kathy Lampman, who wasn't life flighted.

[BlueBirdPoof]

hi all
my name is natalie

i personally would like to see more discussion of the deaths/injuries at burning man. weed out truth from rumor. promote future awareness. in 2001, a campmate of mine died, took his own life, in a very tragic way. i was suprised to realize nearly every burner i talked to had no idea, and the rest of them had misinformation.

I'd like to see more discussion too. I'm also not sure how the LLC could take part in that--liabililty and privacy issues. Yet some information they are privy too and we are not.

I'd also be interested in what exactly what happened with your campmate and how you think it connects to burning man. (As far as I know this didn't happen on playa.) I think there are issues worth exploring in regards to connections between BM and mental illness.

[BlueBirdPoof]

It's not the first time someone has died as a result of something that happened during the event. It's the first time someone died on the playa during the event. I'm not sure the distinction is really that meaningful.

Me either. Although in the Emergency Medical field if you start someone's heart and they die more than 12 hours later it is counted as a "save" so it may not just be some BMP hooey.

[glam_daddy]

wasnt there a death at the 'dice' burn in 2001? i remember them talking about it in the jackrabbit speaks for 2002, encouraging people to not run accross the fires. you trip ... you fall.... end of the line.

anyone else remember this?

[Ranger Mickey]

There is a great magazine entitled "Accidents in Mountaineering" available at your nearby well-stocked outdoors shop. Every year the editors present self-reported accidents and commentary on what could have been done differently. It's an amazing read, esp. if you want to go up into the mountains yourself.

We could do an BM version of such a thing...