How Many People Died Looking For Forrest Fenn's Treasure? Quick Answer + Details

Alright, gather 'round, folks, and let's talk about the legendary Forrest Fenn treasure. You know, the one that sent a whole bunch of brave (or maybe just plain nuts) souls scrambling into the rugged wilderness of the American Southwest. We’re talking about a chest brimming with gold coins, rare jewels, and ancient artifacts, all hidden by an eccentric art dealer. Sounds like a movie plot, right? Well, it was real, and it sparked a treasure hunt that, let's just say, had a few… unfortunate side quests.

Now, the burning question on everyone’s lips, the one whispered in hushed tones over strong coffee and even stronger campfire stories, is: How many people actually kicked the bucket looking for Forrest Fenn's treasure?

The quick answer, the one that might just make you choke on your latte, is that official records are a bit… fuzzy. Forrest Fenn himself famously kept a lot of things close to his chest, and this treasure hunt was no exception. But the general consensus, based on news reports, police investigations, and general internet lore (which, let's be honest, is practically gospel these days), points to at least four confirmed deaths directly linked to the hunt.

Four. Not a ton, you might think, compared to the millions who probably dreamt of finding it. But man, four is four too many, especially when you’re talking about people who were probably just hoping to find a little sparkle and maybe pay off their student loans. It’s a grim reminder that while dreams of riches can be powerful, so are grizzly bears and a rogue rockslide.

Let’s dive into the details, shall we? Because like a good mystery novel, the devil is in the details, and sometimes those details involve unfortunate accidents in the wilderness.

The Grim Toll: A Handful of Tragic Tales

So, who were these unlucky adventurers? Well, it’s not like they left us a neat little obituary column for each one. The stories are pieced together, and sometimes, the connection to the Fenn treasure is inferred, or at least strongly suspected. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but the haystack is a vast, dangerous mountain range, and the needle is a treasure chest.

Forrest Fenn Treasure, The Elusive Cache People Died Trying To Find

One of the earliest and most widely reported incidents involved a man named Paris Wallace. He went missing in New Mexico in 2017. His family described him as being obsessed with the Fenn treasure, believing he was close to finding it. Sadly, his body was found in the Rio Grande, and the circumstances surrounding his death were tragic. He was, by all accounts, a dedicated treasure hunter, and his story is a somber reminder of the risks involved.

Then there was Jeffery Babb. This poor fellow was found deceased in a canyon in Colorado in 2019. His family confirmed he was actively searching for the Fenn treasure at the time. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation, and then… well, you know. It’s a story that really hits home the idea that sometimes the pursuit of a dream can lead you down a very dark path.

And let's not forget Michael Secrist. He vanished in Utah in 2019, and while his body was eventually recovered, the exact cause of death remained a bit of a mystery. However, his family and friends pointed to his fervent pursuit of the Fenn treasure as a primary driver for his wilderness expeditions. It’s enough to make you wonder if that little poem Forrest Fenn wrote was more of a curse than a map.

The fourth widely cited case involves Douglas Scoville, who died in Yellowstone National Park in 2020. While the official cause of death was related to a fall, his sister mentioned his participation in the treasure hunt. Yellowstone, as you know, is a place that requires a healthy dose of respect. And when you add a treasure hunt into that mix, well, things can get dicey.

Forrest Fenn's treasure. | Sniper's Hide Forum

Beyond the Confirmed: The Whispers and the "What Ifs"

Now, here's where things get a little more speculative, like trying to decipher a cryptic clue in the middle of a snowstorm. Are there other deaths that might have been related to the hunt? It’s entirely possible. The wilderness is a dangerous place, and people go missing for all sorts of reasons. But when you factor in the intense, widespread obsession with Forrest Fenn's treasure, it’s hard not to draw some connections.

Think about it. People were heading into remote, often treacherous terrain. They were climbing mountains, crossing rivers, and spending days, even weeks, out in the elements. All fueled by the promise of unimaginable wealth. It's a recipe for disaster if you're not careful. The lure of treasure, as old as time itself, can make people take risks they wouldn't normally consider. It's like that Indiana Jones movie, but with more mosquito bites and less dramatic whip-cracking.

Some reports suggest that as many as over 200 people reported being injured or needing rescue during the hunt. That’s a staggering number! We’re talking about twisted ankles, dehydration, hypothermia, encounters with wildlife, and probably a whole lot of "I thought I saw something shiny over there!" moments that led to a lot of unnecessary climbing.

It's easy to laugh about it now, especially since the treasure was finally found (more on that later!). But for the families of those who were lost, it was no laughing matter. It was a tragedy fueled by a dream, a dream that turned into a nightmare for some.

Forrest Fenn's YouTube Videos - Fenns Treasure

Forrest Fenn: The Man, The Myth, The (Accidental) Deaths?

Forrest Fenn himself was a complex character. An art dealer with a life-threatening battle with cancer, he decided to create this treasure hunt as a way to get people out into nature and, let’s face it, to have a bit of fun and immortality. He wanted people to experience the thrill of the chase, to engage with the landscape he loved so much.

He published a memoir, The Thrill of the Chase, which contained a cryptic poem that was supposed to lead treasure hunters to the chest. This poem became the holy grail for many, pored over, debated, and analyzed to death. It was like a literary Rorschach test, but with a million dollars on the line.

Fenn always maintained that he never intended for anyone to get hurt. He claimed to have put warnings in his book and to have encouraged people to be safe. But then again, when you create a treasure hunt that promises riches and adventure, you're pretty much inviting a certain level of risk-taking. It's like handing a toddler a loaded candy dispenser – what could possibly go wrong?

The debate about his responsibility, the "moral culpability" if you will, is a whole other can of worms. But at the end of the day, the individuals who embarked on the hunt made their own choices. They chose to brave the elements, to decipher the clues, and to potentially face the dangers that come with exploring wild places. The treasure was just the ultimate prize.

Who Found Forrest Fenn’s Treasure? Inside the Hunt in 'Gold & Greed'

So, What's the Verdict?

Back to our original question: How many people died looking for Forrest Fenn's treasure?

The most commonly cited and reasonably well-documented number is four confirmed deaths. However, it's crucial to remember that this might be an underestimate. The nature of wilderness deaths, combined with the clandestine aspect of some treasure hunts, means that some incidents might have gone unreported or unlinked to the Fenn hunt specifically.

Regardless of the exact number, the story of Forrest Fenn's treasure is a fascinating one. It's a tale of adventure, obsession, and the enduring human fascination with hidden riches. And, unfortunately, it’s a story that also serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasure of all is making it home safe.

And hey, if you're ever tempted to go on your own treasure hunt, maybe start with a good map, a reliable GPS, and a very, very good first-aid kit. And perhaps a healthy dose of common sense. You know, just in case.