'They Called Him Mostly Harmless': Inside riveting true story behind mysterious Appalachian Trail hiker
EVERGLADES, FLORIDA: Max's upcoming, documentary, 'They Called Him Mostly Harmles,' delves into the true account of the mysterious death on July 23, 2018, of a hiker found lifeless inside his tent near the Everglades.
The hiker's true identity proved elusive, puzzling local police and prompting the use of aliases like 'Ben Bilemy' or 'Mostly Harmless' in hotel reservations and interactions with fellow hikers.
Discovered without a wallet, phone, or any identification, the enigmatic hiker's true identity remained a challenge to uncover.
According to the Daily Mail, his body was found with $3,500 in cash, a notebook containing computer codes, and ample food supplies.
The autopsy yielded no evidence of underlying medical conditions, and the intact money led the police to rule out foul play, eliminating the possibility of robbery.
This added complexity to the already mysterious case surrounding his death.
Internet sleuths compiled a timeline of his recorded sightings
The case became increasingly complicated due to the absence of matching missing person reports, as well as the lack of database records for fingerprints, dental records, or DNA.
To aid in the identification process, the police released a rendering of the hiker, offering insights into his potential appearance before his death.
Natasha Teasley, an online group administrator, collaborated with other internet users to create a timeline of his recorded movements and stops, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Eventually, the mysterious hiker was identified as Vance Rodriguez, thanks to the collective efforts, evidence, and recorded sightings from various sources.
Who was Vance Rodriguez?
Detectives and online sleuths collaborated to unveil the true identity of the mysterious hiker, revealing him as 44-year-old Vance Rodriguez from Louisiana.
Rodriguez, a former tech worker, was last seen in the spring of 2017 near Harriman State Park and continued his hiking journey along the Florida Trail.
Startling revelations about Rodriguez came from his friends in Louisiana, painting a picture of a smart individual who grappled with personal relationships and had a strained connection with his family.
Upon this disclosure, online discussions surged, speculating that he intentionally maintained a low weight and purposefully sought anonymity, suggesting a deliberate act of self-harm.
'They Called Him Mostly Harmless' will air on Max on February 8.