Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

Why am I still thinking about this? Why does it seem to affect me more in the long run than when I initially read it? Humans, as a whole, are curious; the search for knowledge is innate and a troublesome curmudgeon, never letting go. When there is We are fragile beings. When there is a situation that we can't understand, can't reason out inside our minds, the mystery haunts us until we can come to a reasonable rationalization This is what Donnie Eichar has done with Dead Mountain.

When nine hikers go missing on Holatchahl Mountain in Sverdlovsk, Russia now known as Yekaterinburg in and are found shortly later with an undeniable set of questionable circumstances, the enigma unfolds into conspiracy theories UFO sighting, military testing, local indigenous murders to an initial conclusion of the hikers had died as a result of "an unknown compelling force". Eichar takes years of records and interviews, first person accounts, and his own mission to visit the site of the incident to present not only a rational conclusion, but one that could've alluded investigators at the time due to a previous unknown circumstance that has only now been researched in recent years.

We may never know the complete truth, but from everything I've read on this subject, this seems the most realistic outcome. Nov 13, leslie hamod rated it it was amazing. Amazing true story of ten college hikers who head to the Ural mountains. When their bodies are found, speculation abounds. All of this occurred in An American citizen went to investigate fifty years later, obsessed by the case. He meets with resistance, questioning and some assistance. When the bodies are discovered, he also investigates. The results will astound readers of real life adventures.

So intriguing, insightful and believe it or not, physics! Wel Amazing true story of ten college hikers who head to the Ural mountains. Well written and easy to read! An adventure gone horribly wrong. Great for all, even those not interested in outdoor adventure. A suspense in itself. View all 63 comments. The Dyatlov Pass Incident In this riveting and informative non-fiction read, Documentary Filmmaker and Author, Donnie Eichar, pieces together the mystery of WHY nine young experienced Russian hikers left their tent after dark without shoes or proper clothing in sub-zero temperatures back in Eichar does a great job of investigating and succinct The Dyatlov Pass Incident In this riveting and informative non-fiction read, Documentary Filmmaker and Author, Donnie Eichar, pieces together the mystery of WHY nine young experienced Russian hikers left their tent after dark without shoes or proper clothing in sub-zero temperatures back in View all 11 comments.

Dec 28, abby rated it it was amazing Shelves: It was a distinction they would never earn, but one that each of them so rightly deserved. One came home early due to heath "In savage winter conditions, and over a vast stretch of ground, all nine fought for their own and one another's lives with the bravery and endurance worthy of Grade III hikers. One came home early due to heath issues. The remaining nine never returned.

Whatever happened at Dyaltov Pass so named after the leader of the doomed hiking group, Igor Dyaltov , it remains an intriguing case for unsolved mystery buffs and conspiracy theorists the world over. Not because 9 people died in the Siberia in February but because of the condition in which they are found. Their tent is discovered abandoned, with all necessary supplies for cold weather survival still stored neatly inside. Something caused the 9 hikers to cut the tent from the inside and flee into the cold night. None were wearing proper shoes, having left their ski boots lined up inside the tent.

Some of the bodies are discovered wearing little more than long underwear, their clothing instead found on some of the other hikers' bodies. One of the hikers is found wearing two watches. One woman's body is missing its tongue. The bodies look orange and radiation is detected on their clothing.

At least one of the hikers seems to have been trying to climb a tree. That night there was no moon until 3 am and temperatures would have dropped to 40 below. So why did they leave the tent when it meant almost certain death? Like many others before him, author Donnie Eichar became fascinated with the Dyaltov Pass tragedy and traveled to Russia in an attempt to recreate that fateful hike. In Dead Mountain he tells not only the story of the hikers but that of his own journey in Siberia.

While Eichar does not identify himself as a skeptic, it's fair to say he is one. If this book had ended with any suggestion that Yeti, aliens or the Soviet government had killed the hikers, I would have burned it these, sadly, are actual and popular "theories" of what happened. What Eichar proves is that a lot of details about this case that seem nefarious at first glance in fact have easy and obvious explanations.

Where this book missed the mark a bit was when the author deviated from telling the hikers' story to trying to solve the mystery of why they left the tent that night. His final explanation does not really hold water. That said, his detailed reconstruction of what happened afterwards, in the few minutes and hours between abandoning the tent and the hikers' tragic deaths seems very plausible.

Eichar seems to have no background in accident reconstruction, crime scene investigation, or investigation journalism, and I give him a lot of credit for his efforts, even if I think he was perhaps a bit misguided. One of the reasons I loved this book is that I'm just such an unsolved mysteries junkie both the concept and the TV show, which was my absolute favorite growing up.

I do wish this book had been more. More about the hikers, more details about how they were found, more discussion of alternate theories real ones, not involving aliens. Incredible story about nine college students who hiked into the Ural mountains and disappeared. The story is true, , over fifty years ago. Many theories were investigated, such as they were blown off the mountain, the prisoners of nearby gulags for them, a meteor! At that time the Soviet Union was testing missiles in that area.

If course, also, it was the arms race and feelings towards an investigation by an American citizen might not be well accepted. The bodies were eventually found but in Incredible story about nine college students who hiked into the Ural mountains and disappeared. The bodies were eventually found but in various states of undress.

Some died of cold, but some did not. View all 45 comments. Nov 29, Renee Godding rated it really liked it Shelves: Over the months that follow, their bodies are located one by one, painting a confusing and horrifying picture of the events that affected the group. A frenzied escape from the safety of their camp wearing little more than underwear, curious evidence like clothes emitting radiation and injuries that seem to defy explanation… All of this has made Rating: A frenzied escape from the safety of their camp wearing little more than underwear, curious evidence like clothes emitting radiation and injuries that seem to defy explanation… All of this has made this case the subject of much speculation over the years.

In Dead Mountain; the untold true story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident , investigative journalist Donnie Eichar sets out to explore all theories and find the truth among the speculation. Investigative true crime can be a tricky genre; these are real events, with real people, who often still have real living relatives. To me, treating the case and people at hand with the due respect is always one of the first things I look for in books like this.

People come before sensationalism in this book. Quite literally the books opens with introducing us in depth to the people in the group. I really did appreciate this. The hikers become real people to the reader, not just faceless puppets in a sensational mystery. Although some of this information may be a little too much for some readers this really depends on taste , I enjoyed this part and I think it shows how dedicated Eichar is as an investigator. He has talked to the people involved, and thoroughly did his research.

This also applies to his investigation of the theories, and the final conclusion he comes to. Eichar addresses many of the popular theories with an open mind and argues why he feels one is more or less likely than the other. Afterwards he presents his own well researched!

This is not a definitive plea for his case: My biggest criticism of the book was the pacing. There were moment here where I found myself a little bored, especially around the first description of the group embarking on their trip. This was in stark contrast to the final chapters on the theories. Some of those were quite short and fast. I would have liked a little more depth here, possibly at the expense of some of the earlier parts. It really is the story of the people and the in depth explanation where this book shines.

If you are mildly curious and just want a quick glance of this case, this book may be to in depth and you might be satisfied just by reading some articles online. If you know a little about it and like me were fascinated by what you learned, this book might be for you. Nov 08, Jen rated it liked it Shelves: In , 9 experienced hikers disappear in the Ural Mountains.

What becomes a search and rescue mission, unfortunately becomes a recovery one. It takes months before all of the bodies are located. Speculation and theories surround the mystery of what happened to make them leave the security of their tent, in subarctic temps, scantily clad, and bring them to their death. It was well researched and fascinating. This is Eichar's take of what he suspects happened to them. We may never know exactly b In , 9 experienced hikers disappear in the Ural Mountains. We may never know exactly but this seems to be the theory that comes closest to the truth.

• Political action as religious duty (Family histries, works, and memoirs Book 2)?
• The Dyatlov Pass Incident.
• Dyatlov Pass incident - Wikipedia.
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However, that being said, I'm still left with a feeling of not being satisfied. As they say, proof is in the pudding. Jun 14, April Aprilius Maximus rated it liked it Shelves: Found myself skimming a lot of the boring stuff coz i just wanted to know what happened!!! Dec 27, Zuky the BookBum rated it really liked it Shelves: Just before Christmas I picked it up, and it did take me a couple of weeks to read, but it was worth it! An emotional and insightful look at the mysterious Dyatlov Pass Incident. At times, I felt a little bit annoyed about this — I really would just love to know what the hell you think happened!

He breathes life back into them. Eichar takes diary entries, photographs, and interviews to build an intricate and honest look into each of the hikers days that lead up to their deaths. At times I found some of the goings-on a little tedious, but overall it was an interesting read. Dec 21, Amanda rated it really liked it Shelves: This was an excellent nonfiction.

I think this is as close to a true crime book I've read - due to the mystery surrounding the deceased Dyatlov hikers - and I enjoyed myself so much I think I'll have to start reading true crime! Eichar is foremost concerned with humanizing the nine hikers who died at the foot of Dead Mountain in This is not only humane, but very effective for storytelling as soon I was as invested in learning what happened to Igor and Zina and Georgy and the rest of the hi This was an excellent nonfiction. This is not only humane, but very effective for storytelling as soon I was as invested in learning what happened to Igor and Zina and Georgy and the rest of the hikers as Eichar and everyone else investigating the incident was.

The book is split into three timelines that eventually converge at the end of the book: This creates suspense at each of the timelines throughout the reading experience, which made me not want to put down this book. It is highly readable, full of important photographs and fairly short. A perfect foray into nonfiction, and especially atmospheric if you read it during cold weather!

View all 5 comments. Jun 26, Rowan rated it it was amazing. I read this book over a weekend and found it impossible to put down! That alone is testament to the passion and infectious enthusiasm for the case that Donnie Eichar has put into this book. One of the first things you notice is the respectful tone of the book. Each chapter follows the story of the hikers, t I read this book over a weekend and found it impossible to put down! While the timeframe jumps around slightly, the book soon finds a nice rhythm and Eichar manages these different narratives brilliantly — it results in a book that never treads water.

The use of photographs throughout really brought the story and hikers to life, making me feel like I was standing witness to their journey. It made the tragedy seem so much more upsetting and unsettling. His interactions with Yuri Kuntsevich President of Dyatlov Foundation and his wife, were equally parts heartwarming, intriguing and gripping — especially when Yuri Yudin the only surviving Dyatlov member starts making an appearance!

The book seemed to bring about even more questions involving the mystery: What made the experienced hikers abruptly abandon their tent?

Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

What was the bright rocket, thundering sound and bright orbs witnessed in the area? Why did the KGB attend their funerals? Why did the lead investigator suddenly go to Moscow, then return and abruptly abandon his inquiries into the orbs, lights and UFO theories? Stranger still, was Lev Ivanov lead investigator being convinced the orbs in the sky were connected to their deaths. The book took a fascinating turn towards the end as scientific explanations behind the mystery were explored.

It was fascinating when the author met with atmospheric physicists at a high-security research location in the U. Without spoiling anything, the scientific theories made a lot of sense — and I never would have thought reading a Lemmy Kilmister biography years ago would help me understand it!

It gave the mystery as much closure as it probably ever will and most importantly, ended very respectfully. You were the Grade III hikers you aspired to be and so much more. Damn, I do hate writing reviews anymore! Sometimes though the book, author or subject matter almost grabs me by the ears and demands a review. Well, shit fuzzy, crikey, and dang it.. Eichar had me worried from the start, and it all started with his winter footwear! Sure, he's sunshine, I'm clouds and snow. I don't know anyone up here in Montana who doesn't break in their boots before actually using the bastard things!

Sheesh, what a pain in the butt. I seldom start books like this without knowing anything about it. The few things I had heard kept me far, far away from it. So, with no knowledge at all about this incident, I started reading. I'm just one of those people who can't take the word of others. I have to see for myself. By the way, if you're so inclined, the autopsy findings are more extensive than I'd hoped.

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I do like an external and internal. Also, I want to know what is in their pockets. I don't understand what the big mystery about this case is. While I think the authors theory is compelling, I dont quite agree. The internal damage of some of these students could have indeed been caused by a fall onto rocks as they were running away. And I do believe that in some few cases. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

In , nine expert hikers failed to return home from the Ural Mountains. Weeks later, searchers found their abandoned campsite, and then their frozen bodies. How to Be an American: A Field Guide to Citizenship. A History of Google. The Halifax Explosion of The Lives of Sacco and Vanzetti: Accounts from the people that encountered them along their way are all positive as to their demeanor and attitudes.

Tension builds as Mr. We feel their youthful friendships, hopes, and concerns. Tension also builds in the account of Mr. He has to deal with a language barrier and his own journey logistics. Being from Florida, he has little experience of mountains and none of sub-zero cold. On top of all this, he makes a search for the lone surviving member of the Dyatlov group, Yuri Yudin. I found Dead Mountain to be engrossing and hard to put down. Eichar keeps his prose moving, interesting, and relevant.

Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar

Internet photos enhance the book, but I found the autopsy photos disturbing. The driving force of the book, however, is the mystery: All have been proposed as solutions. After examining all the evidence he could gather, Mr. Eichar comes up with his own idea about what happened.

The last chapter of Dead Mountain is Mr. The scenario he describes is, in my opinion, probably very close to the truth. I think Dead Mountain is a good exercise in how to approach and to think about a stubborn mystery, especially one with paranormal overtones. It indicates the kind of open-minded work required to get to the bottom of things whether you think Mr.

Eichar did or not. In the end, it is a reminder of the tragedies in this world, and of nine promising young people who were taken out of it much too early. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. Well this is really two books: He does a nice job of reconstructing the last days of the Dyatlov party's and really introduces them to us. The portion of the book I think of as "Donnie's Russian Adventure" is pretty annoying. He does not speak Russian so relies on translators or just gestures and facial expressions, probably about the worst way to interview someone or get information from them.

Who knows what he missed? I got the impression he hurried the whole trip because he had a baby on the way. He also seems woefully ignorant of life in the Soviet Union during the time period. I wasn't looking for UFO explanations or anything, but he ignores several important things in his "investigation" comes up with some possible, maybe it could be if everything was just right theory. This sound supposedly frightened them so much that these experienced, tough, capable hikers abandoned their tent in degree Fahrenheit temperatures with a 40 to 50 mile an hour wind and fled to their deaths, in many cases half clothed and in all cases barefoot.

This is just nonsensical. These folks would have known beyond any doubt that by doing so, they would die of exposure very quickly. I don't care how much dread or fear infrasonic sound can induce, I seriously doubt all nine of these folks succumbed to a level of panic that caused them to knowingly commit suicide by leaving the tent half clothed and fleeing blindly into the arctic darkness.

It's just not credible. One or two, maybe, but all nine? Nobody flees blindly into certain death unless something more immediately threatening is there, and these folks obviously left in a big hurry, all at once. I don't know what did happen, but I'm not buying this theory. The Dyatlov Pass incident is always cited as one of the great unsolved mysteries, and so I was excited when my wife gave me "Dead Mountain: The untold Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident" as a gift. But once I started reading, I was immediately hooked. Eichar does an amazing job of transporting the reader back to a time and place shrouded with secrecy: As an American, it was fascinating learning about the life of these students and the people and places they encountered in their last days.

The writing flows nicely and is kept interesting by the weaving in of the stories of the search party and families, as well as Mr. Eichar's journeys to Russia and encounters with survivors. EIchar's conclusion on the fate of these young people that is most important, and the author delivers here too. His thesis is new, fascinating, proven plausible, and about as terrifying as it gets. See all 1, reviews. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers.

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