Christopher Johnson “Chris” McCandless (February 12, 1968 – August 1992) was an American hiker and itinerant traveler.
After graduating from college in 1990, McCandless traveled the United States, eventually hitchhiking to Alaska in April 1992. There he set out along an old mining road known as the Stampede Trail with minimal supplies hoping to live simply off the land. Almost four months later, McCandless’ decomposing body weighing only 30 kilograms (66 lb) was found by hunters in a converted bus used as a backcountry shelter along the Stampede Trail on the eastern bank of the Sushana River. His cause of death was officially ruled to be starvation although the exact cause remains the subject of some debate.
I want to thank Jeremy for sending this to me. Jeremy writes “This is an interview with a hunting guide about the Chris McCandless story that Into the Wild was about. Check out what this guy says about some of the cabins being ransacked. Very odd!”
Gabriel H
Fascinating additions to an already dramatic tale. Thank-you
David D
Sad story about this guy; so many details that are NOT in this brief report. I realize you need to respect the families feelings and wishes, but it would be nice to hear the “rest of the story”. Not to be gruesome, but it would be interesting to see a coroner’s report, just to see how he met his demise. Was it a flu, animal attack, gun-shot,? Was he pummeled by a Squatch, or did he just get frightened to death? Out in the wild parts, it can be extremely dangerous and unforgiving, everyone knows that who’s ever spent any time in such places. One little mistake or accident, and it’s curtains. Sad for the survivors, though. As far as some moron punching holes in the roofs, just shoot the buggers!
Jacqueline O
The authorities found his jouurnal, and based on Chris’ word, they concluded he starved to death. During his first weeks in Alaska the snow had yet to melt. He survived off squirrels, porcupines, and even moose, however, after several months a very rapid, dangerous, and ice cold river of snow melt blocked his exit on the Stampede Trail. With no equipment to ford the river, crossing it would have been suicide…anyone remember ” The Oregon Trail”? (lol)! He was now stuck, and they believe Chris was never at that cabin. I’m not sure he was even aware of its existence. It’s a very sad, yet inspirational story.
What I found interesting is the fact that the gentleman, (Will), found his wallet (containing al his ID), months later, after they found Chris’ body. The investigators were unable to locate his backpack and wallet? In the movie, directed by Sean Penn, they show Chris burning all of his identification and cutting up his credit cards. I have no doubts that they created this clip as a metaphorical statement…detachment from society. They also referred to the quotes and writings of Henry David Thoreau…the negative impact of modern society and living a simple, balanced life with nature.
I know all these movies are “based” on a true story, which only complicates the mystery surrounding his death. I love to hear new reports containing critical clues, but often times, after researching the story a bit more, I come to the conclusion that sasquatch were not involved. Unfortunately, we “sasquatch enthusiasts”, are disappointed to discover the probability outweighs the possibility.
Now, I believe the dedtruction to the cabin is unrelated to his death (IMO)… who knows? I also found one particular piece of evidence that is very interesting (according to Will in this video):
Authorities found the stove completely intact yet outside the cabin? It appeared that the stove had been disassembled (correctly) from the chimney pipe and then relocated for whatever reason? I highly doubt a sasquatch or other cryptid could do this properly.
As much as I would LOVE this to be sasquatch related, I’m left with little evidence of sasquatch or otherwise…this is just my opinion.
Jacqueline O
Damn!!!
I apologize for leaving such long comments. I’m just trying to communicate my perspective in a clear, detailed manner. Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent half my life writing theses, essays, dissertations, etc. etc.
DrAaron
I enjoy narratives!
Kay S
Please don’t apologise. You made some excellent observations in your comment, the length of it is unimportant. Very informative. Thanks
Daniel S
keep going it’s good,
piece*
Sarah T
I loved the movie, although it made me cry. What a waste. He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him.
Strange about that cabin with the windows Brocken from the inside? I guess you’re thinking that could be an indication of strange creatures, and knowing this, one has to wonder what did really happen to Chris(?).
m99
~I love Chris McCandless’ story. It’s Hard to think about how close but so far away he was. It was his time, I think, but then recall his real age…a turn here, a decision there, and he would have been writing the book himself. I hope he found forgiveness in his life before he flew away, because after all, unforgiveness is a stone like an albatross around one’s neck…God rest your soul~