Here’s the unsettling story of Chris McCandless, the young man who ventured into the wilderness and, tragically, never returned home.
After graduating from university in 1990, McCandless made a life-changing decision.
He donated all of his savings and set out on a journey inspired by his favorite book, The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
He was determined to recreate the rugged adventure described in the book, so he headed north to the remote Alaskan bush with the dream of living off the land.
His story, full of determination and a desire to reject the consumerist culture of America, is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
It later became the subject of a book and a film adaptation, the trailer for which can be viewed below:
Unfortunately, McCandless’ goal of embracing a simpler, more natural way of life had a devastating end.
At just 24 years old, he ultimately starved to death in the makeshift camp he had created for himself in the wilderness.
His body was later found by hikers in an old, rusted bus that had served as his home.
When his remains were discovered, he weighed only 67 pounds, a chilling reminder of just how unforgiving nature can be.
In the months leading up to his death, McCandless had been keeping a detailed journal of his life in Bus 142, located on the Stampede Trail in Alaska.
He also captured moments on a film camera. Both the journal and the photographs were recovered after his death, offering a crucial glimpse into McCandless’ final days.
Through these records, we learn how he arrived at this remote location and how he struggled in his last attempts to return to civilization.
In April 1992, McCandless hitchhiked his way to Alaska. The last person to see him alive was an electrician named Jim Gallien.
Gallien would later express concern over how poorly equipped McCandless was for the harsh environment he was about to face.
Gallien even tried to persuade McCandless to postpone his trip, but McCandless, determined to pursue his adventure, refused.
With only a few books, a rifle, and some rice in his possession, McCandless began his journey.
He managed to survive for 113 days in the remote Alaskan wilderness.
However, in the final days of his life, it became clear that McCandless was beginning to understand the perilous situation he had put himself in.
His journal contains an entry that reveals his failed attempt to leave the Alaskan bush, thwarted by an impassable river.
This particular entry highlights how unprepared McCandless was for the challenges he faced.
A detailed map of the area would later show that, had he possessed one, he might have been able to walk out of what seemed like an impossible situation.
As his condition worsened, McCandless realized he was dying of starvation and desperately in need of help.
He placed a heartbreaking message in the window of the bus, which 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?”
In the days leading up to his death, McCandless also wrote what is believed to be a final farewell.
He took a photograph of himself holding a note that read: “I have had a happy life and thank the Lord. Goodbye and may God bless all!”
It is believed that McCandless died either from starvation or from poisoning caused by wild vegetation he had consumed.
The bus where he spent his final days, a haunting symbol of his tragic adventure, was later removed from the location to prevent other hikers from attempting the same dangerous journey.
