Sad Endings

Disappearance

The Mystery of Eric Cheeks

Eric Cheeks, a kind-hearted 19-year-old from Harpers Ferry, WV, disappeared in 2000. A year later, his remains were found near the Appalachian Trail. Despite ongoing investigations, his death remains a mystery, leaving his family seeking answers and honoring his memory.

Murder

New Information on Amelia Wilson's Murder

Revisiting the 1969 unsolved murder of Amelia Wilson in Charles Town, WV, shedding new light through a personal account from a local resident who suggests a police cover-up involving officer Ralph “Buzzy” Whitmore, potentially explaining the missing case files.

Murder

The Murder of Jeff Rowland

A beloved fourth-grade teacher from Charles Town, West Virginia, was found murdered in a popular hiking spot in 2002. Despite investigations and community efforts, his case remains unsolved. Jeff Rowland's life, marked by dedication and compassion, inspires calls for justice.

Accidental Deaths

Swinging Party - The Death of Jim Stephens and Jeff McGrath

In 1967, a NYC patio hammock accident killed Jim Stephens and Jeff McGrath, altering survivors' lives. Stephens, a radio icon, and McGrath, an ad exec, were enjoying post-party relaxation when the tragedy struck. The incident left an indelible mark on their families and industries.

Murder

The Murder of Amelia Wilson

In 1969, Charles Town, WV was shaken by the murder of Amelia Wilson, leaving her sons, Gary and Steven, to navigate a life marked by loss. Despite minimal media attention and no recent investigations, this article aims to shed light on the case, hoping for closure after 55 years.

Murder

Henri Jones: A Thanksgiving Tragedy

In 2022, Henri Jones, a 23-year-old from Baltimore, was tragically murdered on Thanksgiving Morning. Henri left a profound impact on his community. With few leads and no clear motive, the case remains unsolved, highlighting the persistent issue of urban violence.

News

Jack Cooper: A Race Against Nature

In 2017, 16-year-old Jack Cooper participated in the Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb in Alaska. Tragically, while descending, he encountered a predatory bear. Despite frantic attempts to contact family, help arrived too late. His memory now lives on through memorials and a renamed youth race.

News

Running Out of Time: The Death of Rynn Berry

Rynn Berry, a 68-year-old vegan advocate, collapsed while jogging in Brooklyn's Prospect Park on December 31, 2013. Without identification, he was admitted to a hospital as John Doe. Despite a city-wide search for his identity, Berry remained unidentified for over a week before passing away.

Disappearance

Lost in Newfoundland: The Disappearance of William Oberkiser

Indiana hunter William Oberkiser ventured into Newfoundland's wild terrain seeking big game but mysteriously vanished. Despite exhaustive search efforts by locals, he remains missing. As the landscapes remain silent, his family grapples with haunting questions and the pain of an unresolved loss.

News

Disconnected: The Death and Discovery of Dominic Green

As a young man navigates the challenges of remote work, isolation, and modern work culture he unexpectedly passes away. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and maintaining connections in a world that often feels disconnected and isolated.

Memorials

A Journey Alone: The Tragic Tale of Paul Bowman

This exploration into an incomplete gravestone reveals the lives of Paul Bowman and Dorothy Moler and Roger Milbourne. Their ordinary yet poignant stories, from a fatal accident to a second marriage, unfold hidden tales from a small town's past.

Disappearance

The Disappearance of Michael Dillard

Michael Dillard, a 15-year-old boy from West Virginia, mysteriously disappeared on January 12, 2018, after a minor disagreement with his mother. He ran off into a heavily wooded area, leaving behind his phone and only carrying $2. Despite extensive search efforts, Michael was not located.

News

Tragedy Over Belarus: Alan Fraenckel and John Stuart-Jervis

In the 1995 Gordon Bennett Balloon Race, American pilots Alan Fraenckel and John Stuart-Jervis tragically lost their lives when their balloon was shot down by the Belarus military, sparking a diplomatic dispute.

Accidental Deaths

The Tragic Irony: Kyle Plush's Unfulfilled Lifesaving Idea

Resilient Kyle Plush overcame early spinal injury to lead a vibrant life. Tragically, he died at 16 trapped in his car, his Siri-enabled distress calls unheard, just months after proposing a tech solution that could have saved him.

Accidental Deaths

Young, Reckless, and Airborne: Unmasking the Dangers of Hill Hopping

Highlighting the perilous trend of 'hill hopping,' this article underscores its lethal consequences. Through real-life incidents, it reveals the tragic cost of this thrill-seeking activity, increasingly popular among young drivers.

News

Emily Schwalen and the Enigma of Lake Berryessa's Glory Hole

The Monticello Dam's Glory Hole, with its unnerving depth and swirling water, is an embodiment of the French concept of 'l'appel du vide', or 'the call of the void.'

Murder

The Murder of Joshua Wayne Crawford

The details of Joshua's death were chilling. An autopsy report revealed that he died from asphyxiation and blunt force injuries. Duct tape was found wrapped around his head, covering his nose and mouth, and his wrists and ankles were bound.

News

Amanda Martin: Mystery at Harpers Ferry

A woman on an outdoor excursion to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in the midst of winter, was discovered deceased under a fallen tree, ensconced in a hammock. Discrepancies arise in accounts regarding her presence at the location, and a substantial amount of money was collected in her memory.

Memorials

Gavin Roskamp: A Life in Tech and a Legacy in Stone

Gavin’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a person can make in a short span of time. A technology enthusiast with a love for music and a heart full of passion, Gavin remains a shining example of living each day to its fullest.

News

The Mysterious Death of Delvonte Tisdale

The chilling discovery of Delvonte Tisdale's mutilated body in a Boston suburb led to an investigation into the tragic fate of a teen stowaway.

Memorials

A Tribute to Bruce Berman and His Galactic Headstone - A Life Well-Lived and a Cautionary Tale of URLs on Monuments

Berman married his college sweetheart, Carolyn, in 1992. They welcomed their daughter, Andie Rose, in 1996, only a few days after Berman was diagnosed with ALS.

Memorials

A High-Tech Headstone for the BlackBerry King: Remembering Michael Stoos

In the peak BlackBerry era, Michael's wife often joked that he spent more time with his BlackBerry than he did with her.

Disappearance

The Disappearance of Morten Aigeltinger

Despite the challenges of his personal life, Morten remained dedicated to his work, earning a reputation as a responsible and dependable photographer. Friends and employers praised his commitment and professionalism, but no one could have guessed the dark clouds that loomed on the horizon.

News

Hammocks: Hidden Killers

Hammocks are far more dangerous than they appear and have lead to numerous deaths. Join me as I document some of these tragedies.

Murder

Jesika Tetlow

Jesika Tetlow collected stray cats and stood up to bullies. She planned to work in medicine and become a mom. Perhaps even open an animal shelter someday. Unfortunately, her plans were cut short early one August morning in North Baltimore’s Mid-Govans neighborhood.