The Mystery of the Somerton Man (or The Tamám Shud Case)

The Tamám Shud Case, also known as the Mystery of the Somerton Man, is a cold case that remains unsolved to this day. In 1948, the body of an unidentified man was found on Somerton Beach in Adelaide, South Australia. The man was in his late 40s and had no identification on him, and efforts to identify him or determine the cause of his death were unsuccessful.

The case became known as the Tamam Shud Case after a small book of Persian poetry, called the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," was found in the man's pocket. The words "Tamam Shud," which mean "ended" or "finished" in Persian, were written on the cover of the book. This led investigators to believe that the man may have been involved in espionage or some other covert activity.

Over the years, numerous theories have been proposed about the Tamam Shud Case, but none have been able to conclusively solve the mystery. The case remains one of the most intriguing and perplexing cold cases in Australian history.

 On the morning of 1 December 1948, the Somerton Man was discovered lying on Somerton Park Beach near Glenelg, South Australia, by John Lyons and two men with a horse. The man's death was initially believed to be a suicide, as he had no identification and was found with an unlit cigarette on his collar. An autopsy was conducted, and the pathologist estimated the time of death to be around 2 a.m. on 1 December.

In January 1949, the brown suitcase belonging to the man was found at the Adelaide railway station. In June of the same year, a piece of paper bearing the inscription "Tamám Shud" was found in a concealed pocket of the man's clothing. A coroner's inquest was held on 17 and 21 June.

On 22 July, a man handed in a copy of the Rubaiyat that he had found on 30 November (or possibly a week or two earlier) containing an unlisted phone number and a mysterious inscription. The police later matched the "Tamám Shud" paper to the book. The unlisted phone number was traced to a woman living in Glenelg, Jessica Thomson (previously Harkness). Her behavior was described as odd during the encounter. She requested that her real name be withheld, but gave the name Jessica Thomson to the police.
 

The original Rubaiyat was lost at some point in the 1950s. Horace Charles Reynolds, a Tasmanian man born in 1900, died in 1953. Some investigators believe he may have been the owner of the "H. C. Reynolds" identification card found on the Somerton Man.

 

Reconstruction of the last hours of the Somerton Man before his death:

 On the morning of November 30, 1948, the Somerton Man arrived in Adelaide by train. He purchased a ticket for the 10:50 am train to Henley Beach, but never ended up using it. There is no explanation for what he did during the hours between 8:30 am and 10:50 am. It is not known if he visited the Public Baths outside of the railway station or if the bathroom facilities at the station were unavailable.

At some point between 11:00 am and 11:15 am, the Somerton Man checked a brown suitcase into the railway station cloak room. Afterwards, he purchased a 7d bus ticket on a bus that left from the south side of North Terrace in front of the Strathmore Hotel, opposite the railway station. It is unclear when exactly he boarded the bus, as his ticket was the sixth of nine sold between the railway station and South Terrace. However, he only had a fifteen-minute window from the earliest time he could have checked his suitcase, which was located around sixty meters from the bus stop.

The bus terminated at Somerton Park at 11:44 am, and it is believed that the Somerton Man got off at Glenelg, a short distance from the St. Leonard's hotel. This stop is located less than a kilometer north of the Moseley Street address of Jessica Thomson, which was itself 400 meters from where the body was found.

In the evening between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, there were various witness sightings of the Somerton Man. It is estimated that he ate a pasty sometime between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. The estimated time of his death is 2:00 am on December 1, based on a "quick opinion" on the state of rigor mortis while the ambulance was in transit. However, as the suspected cause of death was suicide and no attempt was made to accurately determine the time of death, this estimate is probably inaccurate. The effects of poisons on the progression of rigor mortis could have caused the estimated time to be off.

 

Possible Explanations For The Dyatlov Pass Incident (From Scientific To Paranormal)

There are many theories and speculations about what may have happened to the Dyatlov group, but the true cause of their deaths has never been conclusively determined. Some of the possible hypotheses that have been proposed include:

1. Avalanche: 

Some experts believe that the hikers may have been killed by an avalanche. This theory is supported by the fact that there were signs of an avalanche at the campsite and that some of the hikers had injuries consistent with being caught in an avalanche.

The first hypothesis surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident is that the hikers may have been killed by an avalanche. This theory is supported by the fact that there were signs of an avalanche at the campsite, such as a crack in the snow and a large tree that had been felled by the force of the avalanche. Some of the hikers' bodies were also found with injuries consistent with being caught in an avalanche, including broken ribs and skull fractures.

However, this theory is not without its mysteries. For example, why did the hikers choose to set up camp in an area that was prone to avalanches? And why did they leave their campsite in the middle of the night, seemingly in a hurry? Some believe that there may be more to the story of the avalanche theory, and that there may be other factors at play in the hikers' deaths.

Despite the evidence supporting the avalanche theory, there are still many unanswered questions about what happened to the Dyatlov group. Some experts believe that there may have been other factors at play in the hikers' deaths, and that the avalanche theory may not be the whole story.

For example, why were some of the hikers found partially dressed, as if they had been trying to get out of their clothes in a hurry? And why were some of the bodies found with injuries that were not consistent with an avalanche, such as bruises and scratches on the skin? These and other mysteries have led some to believe that there may be more to the story of the Dyatlov Pass incident than a simple avalanche.

To this day, the true cause of the hikers' deaths remains a mystery, and the Dyatlov Pass incident continues to be the subject of much speculation and debate. Perhaps we will never know the full story of what happened on that fateful night in the Ural Mountains.

2. Military or government experiment: 

Some people believe that the hikers may have died as a result of a military or government experiment gone wrong. This theory is based on the fact that the area where the hikers died was near a military testing ground and that some of the hikers' bodies had unusual levels of radioactivity.

One of the more controversial hypotheses surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident is that the hikers may have died as a result of a military or government experiment gone wrong. This theory is based on the fact that the area where the hikers died was near a military testing ground, and that some of the hikers' bodies were found with unusual levels of radioactivity.

Some people believe that the hikers may have stumbled upon a secret military experiment and that they were killed to cover up the operation. Others believe that the hikers may have been part of a government experiment and that they died as a result of the experiment going awry.

There is limited evidence to support this theory, and it remains largely speculative. However, the possibility of a military or government involvement in the hikers' deaths has fueled much conspiracy and intrigue about the Dyatlov Pass incident.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence to support the theory of a military or government experiment, it remains one of the more popular explanations for the Dyatlov Pass incident. Some people believe that the Soviet government may have had a hand in the hikers' deaths in order to cover up the experiment, and that the true cause of their deaths may have been deliberately concealed.

Others speculate that the hikers may have been involved in the experiment in some way, and that they died as a result of the experiment going wrong. Whether or not this theory is true, it has added to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Dyatlov Pass incident and has fueled much speculation and debate over the years.

Regardless of the cause of the hikers' deaths, it is clear that the Dyatlov Pass incident remains one of the most mysterious and enigmatic events in Russian history.

3. Attack by indigenous people: 

Some theories suggest that the hikers may have been attacked by indigenous people living in the area. This theory is supported by the fact that some of the hikers had injuries consistent with being beaten and that some of the bodies were found without clothing.

One theory that has been proposed to explain the Dyatlov Pass incident is that the hikers may have been attacked by indigenous people living in the area. This theory is supported by the fact that some of the hikers' bodies were found with injuries consistent with being beaten, and that some of the bodies were found without clothing.

However, this theory is not without its mysteries. For example, why did the indigenous people attack the hikers? And why were some of the bodies found with injuries that were not consistent with a physical attack, such as fractures and hypothermia?

Despite these mysteries, the possibility that the hikers may have been attack by indigenous people remains a viable explanation for the Dyatlov Pass incident. Some experts believe that the hikers may have stumbled upon a sacred site or that they may have been perceived as a threat by the indigenous people.

However, without more concrete evidence, it is difficult to say for sure what happened to the Dyatlov group on that fateful night in the Ural Mountains. The true cause of their deaths remains a mystery.

The possibility that the Dyatlov group may have been attack by indigenous people raises many questions and has fueled much speculation about the incident. If this theory is true, it is likely that the indigenous people had a motive for attacking the hikers. Some experts believe that the hikers may have stumbled upon a sacred site or that they may have been perceived as a threat by the indigenous people.

However, it is also possible that the attack may have been the result of a misunderstanding or a cultural difference. Without more information, it is difficult to say for sure what happened on that fateful night in the Ural Mountains.

Despite numerous investigations and theories, the true cause of the Dyatlov Pass incident remains a mystery. It is possible that we will never know the full story of what happened to the nine hikers on that cold night in the Ural Mountains.

4. Attack by an animal: 

Some people believe that the hikers may have been attacked by a wild animal, such as a bear or a wolf. This theory is supported by the fact that some of the bodies had bite marks and scratches on them.

Another theory that has been proposed to explain the Dyatlov Pass incident is that the hikers may have been attack by a wild animal, such as a bear or a wolf. This theory is supported by the fact that some of the bodies were found with bite marks and scratches on them, which could be consistent with an animal attack.

However, this theory is not without its mysteries. For example, why did the animal attack the hikers? And why were some of the bodies found with injuries that were not consistent with an animal attack, such as fractures and hypothermia?

Despite these mysteries, the possibility that the hikers may have been attack by a wild animal remains a viable explanation for the Dyatlov Pass incident. Some experts believe that the animal may have been attracted to the hikers' campsite by the smell of food or that it may have perceived the hikers as a threat.

However, without more concrete evidence, it is difficult to say for sure what happened to the Dyatlov group on that fateful night in the Ural Mountains. The true cause of their deaths remains a mystery.

If the Dyatlov group was indeed attack by a wild animal, it is likely that the animal had a motive for attacking the hikers. Some experts believe that the animal may have been attracted to the hikers' campsite by the smell of food or that it may have perceived the hikers as a threat.

However, it is also possible that the attack may have been the result of a chance encounter or a misunderstanding. Without more information, it is difficult to say for sure what happened on that fateful night in the Ural Mountains.

Despite numerous investigations and theories, the true cause of the Dyatlov Pass incident remains a mystery. It is possible that we will never know the full story of what happened to the nine hikers on that cold night in the Ural Mountains. The possibility that they were attack by a wild animal adds another layer of mystery to the case, and it is one of the many theories that continues to be debated and discussed to this day.

5. Hypothermia: 

Some experts believe that the hikers may have died from hypothermia. This theory is supported by the fact that some of the bodies were found partially dressed and that the weather in the area was very cold at the time.

One possible explanation for the Dyatlov Pass incident is that the hikers may have died from hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below normal levels, causing the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it. This can lead to serious health problems, including organ failure and death.

The hypothermia theory is supported by the fact that some of the hikers' bodies were found partially dressed, which suggests that they may have removed their clothing in an attempt to stay warm. Additionally, the weather in the region was very cold at the time of the incident, which would have made it more difficult for the hikers to stay warm.

However, this theory is not without its own set of mysteries. For example, why did the hikers remove their clothing if they were trying to stay warm? And why were some of the bodies found in areas that were protected from the wind and the cold, such as inside a tent or under a tree? Some believe that there may be more to the story of the hypothermia theory, and that there may be other factors at play in the hikers' deaths.

In the Realm of High Strangeness:

There have been several theories proposed to explain the Dyatlov Pass incident that involve paranormal or supernatural elements. These theories suggest that the hikers may have encountered some kind of unexplained or anomalous phenomenon in the Ural Mountains that led to their deaths.

6. UFO activity:

One such theory is that the hikers may have encountered a UFO or some other kind of extraterrestrial activity. Some people believe that the hikers may have stumbled upon a UFO landing site or that they may have been abducted by aliens. There have been reports of strange lights or other anomalous phenomena in the area around the time of the incident, which has fueled speculation about a possible extraterrestrial connection.

There have been some reports of strange lights or other anomalous phenomena in the area around the time of the Dyatlov Pass incident, which have fueled speculation about a possible extraterrestrial connection. These reports are often cited as evidence for the theory that the hikers may have encountered a UFO or other extraterrestrial activity.

However, it is important to note that these reports are generally considered to be anecdotal and are not supported by concrete evidence. Without more concrete evidence, it is difficult to say for sure whether or not the hikers may have encountered a UFO or other extraterrestrial activity.

It is also worth noting that the theory that the hikers may have encountered a UFO or other extraterrestrial activity is generally considered to be highly speculative and is not supported by mainstream scientific or historical evidence. While it is certainly possible that the hikers may have encountered some kind of unexplained or anomalous phenomenon, it is important to approach this theory with caution and to consider it in the context of all of the other evidence and theories that have been proposed to explain the Dyatlov Pass incident.

2. A portal to another dimension:

Another theory is that the hikers may have encountered a portal to another dimension or some other kind of supernatural phenomenon. Some people believe that the hikers may have accidentally stumbled upon a portal to another world or that they may have been pulled into some kind of alternate reality.

There is no concrete evidence to support the theory that the hikers may have stumbled upon a portal to another dimension or encountered some other supernatural phenomenon. This theory is generally considered to be highly speculative and is not supported by mainstream scientific or historical evidence.

The idea that the hikers may have encountered a supernatural or paranormal phenomenon is often based on the fact that some of the hikers' bodies were found with strange injuries and abnormalities that are not consistent with any known cause of death. For example, some of the bodies were found with their eyes missing and their skin peeled away, and others were found with strange burns and bruises on their skin. These abnormalities have led some people to believe that the hikers may have been exposed to some kind of unidentified or unusual energy or radiation.

However, it is important to note that there is no concrete evidence to support the theory that the hikers may have encountered a portal to another dimension or some other supernatural phenomenon. 

3. Attack by a creature similar to the Yeti:

There are many myths and legends about mysterious or mythical creatures that are said to inhabit the northern regions of Russia, including the Ural Mountains where the Dyatlov Pass incident took place. Some of these creatures are said to be large and ape-like, similar to the Yeti of Himalayan folklore, while others are said to be more like wolves or bears with unusual physical characteristics or abilities.

One such creature is the Chuchunaa, which is said to inhabit the forests of Siberia. It is described as being a large, humanoid creature with long hair and a fierce, animal-like appearance. According to legend, the Chuchunaa is extremely strong and can run at incredible speeds. It is also said to be able to communicate with animals and to have a powerful and hypnotic gaze.

Another legendary creature of the region is the Russian Snow Maiden, or Snegurochka. She is described as being a beautiful, young woman with long, flowing hair and a pale, frosty appearance. According to legend, the Snow Maiden is the daughter of Father Frost, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, and she is said to bring good luck and happiness to those who encounter her.

While these creatures are purely the stuff of legend and are not supported by scientific evidence, they remain an integral part of the folklore and mythology of the northern regions of Russia.


There are many myths and legends about mysterious or mythical creatures that are said to inhabit the forests of Russia, including the Ural Mountains where the Dyatlov Pass incident took place. These creatures are often depicted as being fierce, powerful, and sometimes even supernatural, and they have played a prominent role in the folklore and mythology of the region for centuries.

One such creature is the Tatzlponya, which is said to inhabit the forests of Siberia. It is described as being a large, wildcat-like creature with razor-sharp claws and teeth. According to legend, the Tatzlponya is extremely agile and quick, and it is known to attack humans who venture into its territory.

Another legendary creature of the region is the Samodiva, or forest nymph. According to legend, the Samodiva are beautiful, otherworldly beings who live in the forests and are known for their singing and dancing. They are said to have the ability to control the elements and to be able to transform into animals. Some people believe that the Samodiva are the spirits of the forest, and that they are able to bring good luck or misfortune to those who encounter them.

The Mansi people, who inhabit the Ural Mountains region, also have their own myths and legends about forest creatures. One such creature is the Kaltes, which is said to be a large, shadowy creature that lives in the forest. It is described as being humanoid in appearance, with long arms and a head that is shaped like a wolf's. According to legend, the Kaltes is extremely fierce and dangerous, and it is known to attack humans who venture into its territory.

Without more concrete evidence, it is difficult to say for sure what happened to the Dyatlov group, and it is possible that we will never know the full story of their deaths.

The Creation of Tulpas (and the Philip Aylesford Experiment)

The concept of tulpas is a mysterious one, with roots in Tibetan Buddhism and modern Western practices. Tulpas are believed to be entities or beings that are brought into existence through intense focus and visualization. Those who claim to be able to create tulpas assert that they can interact with these entities as if they are real, separate beings, with their own thoughts, feelings, and personalities. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of tulpas or their alleged abilities. Despite this lack of proof, the idea of tulpas continues to captivate and puzzle many people, who see it as an unexplained and potentially supernatural phenomenon. It is unclear where the truth about tulpas lies, but their enduring allure suggests that they may be more than just a figment of the imagination.

[spoilers] In the highly advisable 2020 movie "The Empty Man" [imdb] a cult are able to create a human being just by giving him a story and prayer. [/spoilers].

This is an example of a tulpa, "an object or being that is created through spiritual or mental powers. Modern practitioners use the term to refer to a type of willed imagined being which practitioners consider to be sentient and relatively independent. Tulpas have thoughts, emotions, and personality separate from their host. (...) Tulpas can be created either with a collection of meditative techniques or accidentally when someone has an imaginary friend that persists later in life." [Wikipedia]

Some poeple have described Slenderman, the fictional character that originated on the internet as a creepypasta meme, as a tulpa.

Slenderman is a mysterious and malevolent figure that has captured the imaginations of many people. This fictional character is said to be tall and thin, with a featureless face and tentacles or tendrils emanating from its back. According to the legend, Slenderman stalks and harasses people, particularly children, causing them great fear and distress. Despite being purely a creation of fiction, Slenderman has become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in numerous horror stories and video games. However, the true nature of Slenderman remains unknown and shrouded in mystery. Is Slenderman a figment of the imagination, or is it something more inexplicable and sinister?

 

Original post creating Slenderman

"even the participants of the original forum identified the risks in doing so. A user named Soakie was one of the first to identify the Slenderman as a potential tulpa, writing:

Even if we don’t really believe in supernatural, even if our rational minds laugh at such an absurdity … we are cutting [the Slender Man] out and sewing him together. We’re stuffing him with nightmares and unspoken fears. And what happens when the pictures are no longer photoshops?

One terrifying answer to this question emerged in May of 2014 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, when two 12 year-old girls allegedly enticed a third 12 year-old girl to follow them into the woods (a location which figures prominently in the Slenderman mythology). After doing so, they allegedly stabbed her 19 times in an attempt to prove their worth as Slenderman proxies."  [theconversation]

An older and more innocent tulpa is Philip Aylesford. The Philip experiment is a psychological experiment that was conducted in the 1970s by a group of parapsychologists at the Toronto Society for Psychical Research (TSPR). The experiment was intended to test the hypothesis that a group of people could use their collective imagination to create a "thought form," or an entity that would manifest itself to the participants in the form of a ghost.

The group began by inventing a fictional character named Philip Aylesford, who they described as a 17th-century Englishman who had lived at a castle in Kent, England. They created a detailed backstory for Philip, including information about his family, his occupation, and his interests.

The group then began to meet regularly and used various techniques, such as meditation and visualization, to try to bring Philip to life as a ghost. They would sit in a circle and try to focus their thoughts and energies on Philip, with the hope that he would manifest himself to them in some way.

The group reported experiencing a variety of strange phenomena during their sessions, including noises, smells, and touches that they believed were caused by Philip. They also claimed to have received messages from Philip through a variety of methods, such as automatic writing and table-tipping.

Philip Aylesford was even given a biography:

"Philip Aylesford was born in England in 1624 and followed an early military career. At the age of sixteen he was knighted. He had an illustrious role in the Civil War. He became a personal friend of Prince Charles (later Charles II) and worked for him as a secret agent. But Philip brought about his own undoing by having an affair with a Gypsy girl. When his wife found out she accused the girl of witchcraft, and the girl was burned at the stake. In despair Philip committed suicide in 1654 at the age of thirty." [themystica]

The Philip Case was one of best documented poltergeist phenomena of the XXth Century. The experiment involved not contacting one ghost, but "creating" one. It took place in Toronto, Canada, and it was carried by the "Owen Group"; its members were: Iris Owen, a former nurse and wife of the mathematician A. R. G. Owen; Margaret Sparrrows, former chairperson of MANSA in Canada, an organization of individuals with high IQs; Andy H., housewife; Lorne H., industrial designer and husband of Andy H.; Al P., heating engineer; Bernice M., accountant; Dorothy O' D., housewife and bookkeeper; and Sidney K., sociology student. Dr. A. R. G. Owen or Dr. Joel Whitton, psychologist, attended the group meetings. As we can notice, they were highly educated people, especially Dr. A.R.G. Owen.

Dr. Alan Robert George Owen, a Cambridge University graduate with a background in mathematics and physics, played a pivotal role in the development of radar technology during World War II. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1940 and Master of Arts in 1945, Owen went on to receive his PhD in mathematical genetics in 1948. As an Experimental Officer in Radar Research and Development at the Admiralty Signals Establishment, he invented a radar that is still used by the British War Office today.

The Owen group created the character of Philip Aylesford, and they planned to materialize him They began conducting sittings in September 1972 during which they meditated, visualized, and discussed the details of Philip's life. Although no apparition ever appeared, occasionally some sitters felt a presence in the room; still others experienced vivid mental pictures of "Philip.".

British psychologist Kenneth J. Barcheldor who speculated that some of the group members might have skepticism concerning their venture. He felt the séance setting possibly would produce a communication with "Philip," which was the sitters' expectations.

That changed the development of the sessions. Demonstrations of Philip began to be more frequent.

One session was held in front of a live audience of fifty people and was videotaped to be shown on television. In other sessions sounds were heard in various parts of the room and lights blinked on and off. The levitation and movement of a table were recorded on film in 1974. "Philip" seemed to have a special rapport with Iris Owen. Some member thought they heard whispers in response to questions, but efforts to capture them on tape were inconclusive. [themystica]

Who is this girl that was found dead in 1990 in the North of Spain?

On September 4, 1990, a shocking discovery was made in the Catalan town of Portbou, Spain. A young girl was found hanging from a tree near the town cemetery, yet 32 years later, her identity remains unknown. Despite efforts to investigate the case and find answers, the girl's name and the circumstances of her death remain a mystery.

This tragic event has prompted calls for renewed attention to the case, in the hopes of finding justice for the victim and offering closure to her loved ones. It is believed that somewhere, the girl's family may still be searching for her and seeking answers about her disappearance. As the years go on, the determination to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to account only grows stronger.

Despite the passage of over three decades, little is known about the young woman found hanging from a tree in Portbou, Spain in 1990. However, authorities were able to gather some key details about her identity and background.

According to reports, the victim was in her twenties and had blond hair. No documents were found on her person, making it difficult to determine her identity. The clothes she was wearing were only available for purchase in six countries: Norway, Denmark, England, Germany, and the Netherlands. This, combined with her physical appearance, has led investigators to believe that she may have been from one of these countries.

As the search for answers continues, authorities hope that by sharing this information, they may be able to gather new leads and bring closure to the victim's loved ones.

The investigators discover that 50 meters from the free where the girl has been found, there is a tent, hidden behind a small wall that separates the path from the cliff. The police find there a groups of boys and one girl: Mathias, Peter, Michel, Manfred and a girl called Barbara. They are all from Wien and have been born between 1966 and 1972, so they are also in their twenties. The boys and girl were interviewed but the police didn't think they were connected to the case and let them walk free, as they were convinced it had been a suicide.

However, there was some strange details about the suicide. The girl's sandals had been carefully placed by the tree. The girl was hanging barefoot. But despite walking barefoot on the soil and pine needles, here feet were clean.

In 2001, in an effort to find missing persons, investigators in the case of the young woman found hanging from a tree in Portbou, Spain in 1990 decided to attempt a DNA test. The victim's body had been interred in an unmarked tomb in the cemetery of Figures, a nearby town. However, when authorities arrived to collect a sample, they discovered that the body was missing. It was later revealed that three months prior, the body had been removed and placed in a mass grave.

Despite the efforts to locate the remains in the mass grave, it was not possible due to the fact that the cemetery workers had dismembered the body before disposing of it. The shocking revelation only adds to the tragedy of this case, which remains unsolved and continues to haunt the community. Two photos of the victim, still hanging from the tree, are included in this report.

There are conflicting reports about the circumstances surrounding the photograph of the victim, a young woman found hanging from a tree in Portbou, Spain in 1990. Some accounts claim that reporters covering the story decided to cover the victim's body with a blanket in order to take a photograph that could be published in the newspaper. Others suggest that it was actually the Guardia Civil, Spain's national police force, who covered the victim's body with a blanket in order to protect it from curious spectators.

This case was very-well developed in the Catalan true-crime podcast and series 'Crims'.



If you don't speak Catalan, here is a Google-Translated transcription of the audio.

 

UPDATE: Evi Anna Rauter, a student from Lana, has been identified as the mysterious girl who was found hanging from a pine tree in Portbou on September 4, 1990. Despite being spotted in her sister's apartment in Florence just 20 hours prior to the discovery, it remains a mystery as to how Rauter ended up in Portbou. This revelation comes after 32 years of investigation. [Diari de Girona]

The True Facts Behind 'The Mothman Prophecies' Book and Movie

The Mothman Prophecies is an advisable 2002 movie with Richard Gere. It tells the story of John Klein, a man who arrives to the town of Point Pleasant and discovers that several people there claim that they have seen a misterious winged being with red eyes. He begins to investigate and every time he gets more involved in the mistery. 

 
What many people don't know is that the character of John Klein was inspired by a real person: John Keel [Biography]. He wrote the book of the same name The Mothman Prophecies, after spending some time in the town of Point Pleasant. John Keel's work, and especiffically The Mothman Prophecies are a recurrent subject of Hellier.

In 1975, John A. Keel published a book called The Mothman Prophecies, in which he investigates strange events that occurred in Point Pleasant, West Virginia during the 1960s. The book is based on Keel's real-life experiences and encounters with the Mothman, a humanoid figure with wings reportedly seen in the area. The Mothman Prophecies also discusses other strange occurrences in Point Pleasant, including UFO sightings, poltergeist activity, and anomalous animal behavior. 

Usually, when we speak about events surrounding high-strangeness, we are almost always forced to make our judgements based just on the witnesses of the event. The same happens with the story of the Mothman as it refers to the creature, but there is a fact that anyone can check for themselves: the sequence of the events that took place in Point Pleasant.

During the years 1966 and 1967 a lot of witnesses claim seeing an strange winged creature, the Mothman. There are many news from that time that document the sightings, whether real or not, or at least that the people believed that they have seen it.

The collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, occurred on December 15, 1967. The bridge, which connected Point Pleasant to Gallipolis, Ohio, collapsed during rush hour, causing the deaths of 46 people. The collapse was caused by the failure of a single eye bar in a suspension chain, which led to the collapse of the entire bridge. The disaster prompted the development of new methods for inspecting and maintaining bridges to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Silver Bridge collapse was a major disaster and had a significant impact on the community of Point Pleasant. It is also notable because it occurred around the same time as the strange events described in the book The Mothman Prophecies, written by John A. Keel, which discusses the alleged sightings of a mysterious creature known as the Mothman in the area. Some people believe that the Mothman was a harbinger of the disaster and that its appearances in Point Pleasant were connected to the collapse of the Silver Bridge. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Silver Bridge after collapse of 1967, Point Pleasant. 

 

A list of news referring to the Mothman sightings:

"Bird Echoes Still" Point Pleasant Register, 11-21-1966.
"Bird Gets Once-Over" Point Pleasant Register, 12-1-1966.
"Birdman Could Be FHS Balloon" Huntington Herald-Dispatch, 11-18-1966.
"Could the Moth Man Be Balloon? Huntington Advertiser, 11-18-1966.
"Couples See Man-Sized Bird...Creature...Something" Point Pleasant Register, 11-16- 1966.
"Flying Man Seen Here, Man Claims" Charleston Gazette, 11-18-1966.
"Four Pt. Pleasant Car Occupants See Bird-Like Creature" Morgantown Dominion News, 11-17-1966.
"Mason County Bird Known Far and Wide" Point Pleasant Register, 11-28-1966.
"Mason Countians Hunt Moth Man" Huntington Herald-Dispatch, 11-17-1966.
"Mason County Has Flying Mystery" Morgantown Dominion News, 11-18-1966.
"Mason Bird-Monster Presumed Gone Now" Huntington Herald-Dispatch, 11-22-1966.
"Oh, That Bird It Was Seen Again" Point Pleasant Register, 11-25-1966.
"Our Bird Has Law On Its Side" Point Pleasant Register, 11-19-1966.
"Owl? Goose? Prank: Or Take Your Choice," Huntington Advertiser, 11-17-1966.
"Professor Says Moth-Man Could Be Large Crane" Huntington Advertiser, 11-19-1966.
"That Mothman: Would You Believe a Sandhill Crane?" Huntington Herald-Dispatch, 11-19- 1966.

Source: West Virginia Archives & History.



Scans of some of the newspapers mentioned above:

The Herald Dispatch. November 22, 1966.



The Herald Dispatch. November 19, 1966.



The Athens Messenger. November 18, 1966.

Point Pleasant Register. November 28, 1966.

Huntington Herald Dispath. November 17, 1966.

Source Unknown. November, 1966.

Source and Date Unknown.

Source and Date Unknown.

Athens Messenger. November 16, 1966.

Source and Date Unknown.




The Herald Dispatch. November 22, 1966.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident: A Timeline of Events Depicted Through The Hikers' Photographs

One of our favorite unsolved mysteries is the so-called Dyatlov Pass Incident. Although I always had curiosity why it was called that way in English. Dyatlov was the leader of the group and Kholat Syakhl the name of the place where it happened, so it would be more correct to talk about the Dyatlov Group Incident or the Kholat Syakhl Pass Incident.

It all happened in the Soviet Union in 1959, when a group of ten young people from the Polytechnic University of the Urals, went on a cross-country ski trip through the Urals, with the aim of reaching Mount Otorten (Гора Отортен).

Here is a timeline of the events:

23/01/1959 21:05 The group boards a train from Sverdlovsk to Serov

24/01/1959 07:39 Serov. They arrive to Serov. They spend the time with children at School #41

24/01/1959 They take a train from Serov to Ivdel, arriving around midnight

25/01/1959 06:00 Ivdel. They take a bus to Vizhay

25/01/1959 14:00 Vizhay. They arrive to Vizhay where they spend the night

26/01/1959 Vizhay.

26/01/1959 Sector 41. They travel by truck to a woodcutting settlement in Sector 41, arriving at 16:30.

26/01/1959 Sector 41. The group spends the night in the workers’ dormitory, singing songs and reciting poetry until early the next morning.

27/01/1959 16:00 Lozva river. A man with a horse and cart takes them to another northern settlement, an abandoned geological site.

27/01/1959 Lozva river. The hikers travel late into the night up the frozen Lozva River on their way to the site.

28/01/1959 Lozva river. After a difficult trek up the frozen Lovza River, the Dyatlov hikers arrive in good spirits at the abandoned geological site in the dark early morning hours.

28/01/1959 Lozva river - Vtoroy Severniy. The hikers find an empty house and sleep until daylight. Later that day, Yuri Yudin says his final farewell to his friends and returns back home due to poor health.

28/01/1959 Lozva river. The rest of the group continues skiing north along the Lozva River.

29/01/1959 Lozva river-Auspiya river. The Dyatlov continue along the Lozva River and set up camp near the frozen Auspiya River.

30/01/1959 Auspiya river. The hikers continue along the Auspiya River and find some Mansi symbols on the trees. Deep snow begins to make skiing more difficult.

31/01/1959 Auspiya river. The hikers continue upstream on the Auspiya River and set up camp for the night.

01/02/1959 The group builds a a temporary storage shelter to leave some supplies inside and lighten their packs for the trip up Otorten Mountain.

01/02/1959 Holatchal mountain. The group then skis all afternoon, arriving at what would become known as Dyatlov Pass at 3:00 pm. The sun sets at 4:58 pm.

01/02/1959 Holatchal mountain. Due to the weather conditions they had deviated from their path, so Dyatlov decides to spend the night on the place, on the mountain called Kholat Syakhl (or "Holatchahl" in Mansi language, usually translated as "Dead Mountain"). They decide to camp to spend the night. They will never be seen alive again. They set the tent on the eastern slope of Holatchal mountain at an altitude of 1,079 meters (3,540 feet).




When rescue crews arrive at the place where they camped several days later, they find that the tents are torn from the inside, as if those who slept there had run away from them without time or to open the zippers.

The first corpses found are stripped (only in underwear) a few meters from the tents. They have died of hypothermia due to temperatures of 30 degrees (celsius) below zero.

And here are some of the photos taken by the rescue teams.

Another group of corpses was found months later, at a depth of 5 m under the ice, with a little more clothing but not enough for the weather, but showing very unsettling wounds. One of the men is missing both eyes, while one of the girls, was missing the tongue. Some of them died of hypothermia but some of trauma

There have been many hypothesis regarding what happened that night, what made them go out of the tents with insufficient clothes, what attacked them... Strange metereological phenomena, nuclear test, an attack from the native Mansi people, the Yeti...


The members of the expedition were:
Igor Dyatlov ( Игорь Дятлов ), the leader of the expedition, which ended up naming the incident,
Zinaida Kolmogorova ( Зинаида Колмогорова ),
Lyudmila Dubinina ( Людмила Дубинина ),
Alexander Kolevatov (Александр) Колеватов),
Rustem Slobodin (Рустем Слободин),
Georgyi Krivonischenko (Георгий Кривонищенко),
Yuri Doroshenko (Юрий Дороше),
Nicolas Thibeaux-Brignollel (Николай Тибо-Бриньоль),
Alexander Zolotarev (Александр Золотарев) and
Yuri Yudin (Юрий Юдин) - Survivor



Sources:
Timeline: 'Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident', by Donnie Eichar
Photos: dyatlovpass.com