Body of Chris McCandless found in abandoned Alaskan bus
Chris McCandless's body discovered in Denali National Park bus
In September 1992, Chris McCandless’s body was discovered in an abandoned bus in Denali National Park, Alaska. McCandless, an enthusiastic adventurer, donated all his savings to Oxfam in 1990 to live as a nomad across North America.
He hitchhiked to Alaska in April 1992, last seen alive by an electrician who drove him to a trailhead. Jim Gallien, the driver, worried about him, who introduced himself as Alex, due to his light pack, minimal equipment, and apparent lack of survival skills.
Despite these concerns, McCandless ventured into the wilderness with books, a rifle, and some food. He found an abandoned bus near Denali National Park and lived there for 113 days, surviving on hunted animals and foraged vegetation like berries, roots, and seeds.
Chris McCandless (12.2.68-18.8.92) zog mit minimaler Ausrüstung zunächst durch die Vereinigten Staaten, später bis Alaska. Völlig auf sich allein gestellt, krank und geschwächt, verhungerte er am Ende abgeschnitten von der Zivilisation.
5/5⭐️Hörbuch:https://t.co/ImS90O2DiA pic.twitter.com/oXawfEktfX
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After several months, he decided to return but couldn’t cross the Teklanika River, which had risen due to summer glacier run-off. He went back to the bus and left a note on the window while he searched for food.
The note read: “Attention Possible Visitors. S.O.S. I need your help. I am injured, near death, and too weak to hike out. I am all alone, this is no joke. In the name of God, please remain to save me. I am out collecting berries close by and shall return this evening. Thank you, Chris McCandless. August.”
Sadly, no one saw the note, and McCandless died before help arrived. He also took a photograph holding a sign that read: “I HAVE HAD A HAPPY LIFE AND THANK THE LORD. GOODBYE AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL!”
It’s uncertain when McCandless died, but his last written note on day 107 read: “Beautiful blue berries.” The following days were marked with slashes, but day 113 was blank.
McCandless’s body was found about 19 days after his death, flown out of the area, and an autopsy confirmed starvation as the cause. Some speculate other factors, like poisoning, might have contributed.
His story inspired the non-fiction book *Into the Wild* by Jon Krakauer, which was later adapted into a film directed by Sean Penn, featuring Emile Hirsch as McCandless.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The New Yorker presents new evidence suggesting Chris McCandless’s death was caused by a combination of starvation and a debilitating mental illness, highlighting the complexity of his tragic demise.(read more)
- LADBible reports that the final photo of Chris McCandless, featured in Jon Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” has been identified, showing him in a state of advanced decay, highlighting the tragic consequences of his ill-fated adventure.(read more)
- LADbible highlights the true story behind the film “Into the Wild,” detailing Chris McCandless’s journey and the challenges he faced in his quest for self-discovery and isolation in the Alaskan wilderness.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Chris McCandless?
Chris McCandless was an avid explorer and nomad who died in the Alaskan wilderness.
How did Chris McCandless die?
Chris McCandless died from starvation, although poisoning might have contributed.
What did Chris McCandless do with his life savings?
He donated his entire life savings to Oxfram in 1990.
What book and film recount Chris McCandless’ story?
His story is told in the book ‘Into the Wild’ and its film adaptation.
What was the last note Chris McCandless wrote?
His last note read: ‘Beautiful blue berries’.
