Woman suffers dreadful fall from climbing Burning Man art installation

The woman who had fallen 20 feet off an art installation at Burning Man is expected to fully recover.

The woman had fallen from an art piece called ‘Naga and the Captainess’ on the morning of August 31. Paramedics had arrived on scene shortly after the fall at Burning Man before putting the woman onto a gurney and into an ambulance. 

Her partner had updated readers on social media, writing that she “sustained some serious injuries” but is going to make a full recovery. He explained that the weight shifting in her backpack had caused her to fall from the installation, as did her lack of grip due to the sequins on her jacket. Fortunately, she does not have any head injuries and speculated that her clip-in hairpiece may have protected her head from the impact.

The woman’s partner stated that the event can be dangerous and that they do not blame anyone. The woman’s partner replied to comments and confirmed that the couple “had not had any alcohol, psychedelics, or balance-altering substances.” He ended his update on her condition by noting the importance of climbing safely at Burning Man. 

The intricate art installation was designed by lead artists Cjay Roughgarden, Jacquelyn Scott, and Stephanie Shipman. ‘Naga and the Captainess’ features several parts including treasure chests, parts of a wrecked ship, and a Sea Serpent.

Burning Man is a week-long event in the Nevada desert that focuses on community, art, and self-sufficiency. It was inaugurated over three decades ago in 1986 and is going strong. The festival centers around 10 Principles including radical inclusion, participation, civic responsibility, and more.

In its thirty-eight-year run, there have been several major injuries apart from the fall at Burning Man this year. Thankfully, medical and emergency services are on-site and ready for such incidents. 

Featured Image Instagram / Naga & The Captainess

About The Author

Madison Duncan

Hi! My name is Madison and I was born and raised in Colorado, giving me immediate access to some of the best live music. I have two degrees from the University of Denver in Media Studies and Criminology and am passionate about music journalism. Some of my favorite artists are, but not limited to, Disco Lines, Tape B, Space Laces, and Whyte Fang.

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