Raver at Burning Man, deep in meditation on the ground, struck by Cybertruck, leaving them with a $50,000 financial burden
In the heart of the Nevada desert, the Burning Man festival was marred by a tragic incident involving a Minneapolis-based DJ named James 'JP' Patrick. On the final day of the festival, Patrick was run over by a Tesla Cybertruck, an 'art car' redesigned for the event.
The Cybertruck weighed a hefty 6,603 pounds, and the accident left Patrick with severe injuries. Both of his feet were crushed under the vehicle. He had to be airlifted to a hospital in Reno, Nevada, where he underwent reconstructive surgery.
Sadly, Vadim Kruglov, another festival-goer, was found dead at the scene. Kruglov was pronounced dead by officials, though the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. Kruglov's friends remembered him as a 'true hero of Burning Man', with Sofiia Shcherbakova, a friend of Vadim, posting about him on her Instagram, praising his contributions to the Burning Man community.
The accident occurred while Patrick was meditating outside his camp. His wife, Jade, and their 13-year-old twins were nearby but did not witness the incident. The owner of the Tesla Cybertruck that caused the accident has not been publicly disclosed.
The incident was quickly labelled a homicide by sheriff's detectives. The aftermath of the accident has left the Patrick family facing significant financial challenges. Jade estimated that her husband owes at least $50,000 for the helicopter ride out of the playa. As self-employed working artists, the accident has put their livelihood on hold.
To help the family with their mounting medical bills, an online fundraiser has been set up. The fundraiser has already raised over $50,000. JP is expected to need in-patient rehabilitation, which may be especially difficult for JP and Jade, who have two toddlers in addition to their 13-year-old twins.
Burning Man organizers have a licensing program for 'Mutant Vehicles' like the art car that ran over Patrick. The details of this incident are still under investigation, and it remains unclear whether any rules were violated.
Our thoughts are with the Patrick family during this difficult time.
