The Boys from Yuba City, what really happened? here's what I found

[@JessicaSmith-gw1dd]

Gary Mathias was my uncle. My mothers brother. I was born after he went missing. He is still considered a missing person. Thank you for taking the time to research the story and draw your own conclusion on what happened. Our family hopes that one day we will find my uncle and have some closure. 💗

[@lulubelljingles9701]

I ray your family finds him. I’m so sorry 🙏

[@keastymatthew2407]

Gorgeous

[@michaelkoszowski3716]

Oh i'm sorry ! ..was your mother close to him ?

[@angelmartin7310]

I've had 2 people randomly tell me that people go missing in Chico, that people in the town are involved. 1 person escaped an attempted kidnapping that was a collective effort by townspeople. Another guy I spoke to, a Verizon tech support guy i struck up conversation with, told me without prompting that his best friend lived in Chico and that it was known people went missing there and that it is a very bad place. Ever since I heard your uncle's story I can't help but wonder if Chico was somehow involved.

[@capricornqueen3139]

I think your uncle had an psychotic episode and killed those other guys and now he's out living his best life...js

[@trollking000]

As a man living with a disability i greatly appreciate the respect you have for there men, far to often they are refered to as "child-like" thank you for treating the as the grown men they where.

[@isabellind1292]

💓🌺

[@nikethegreat3486]

Me too but I'm far from dumb I don't think people realize that with other people disabled and crazy 2diffrent things

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

As a retired special education teacher, I think your conclusions are correct. Makes my heart aches for those poor lost men.

[@ruthhaught4296]

I really respect you being a special Ed teacher. It takes a very special person to do your kind of work. Thank you.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

@@ruthhaught4296 Thank you.

[@naradaian]

Yeah retd, professional family soc worker here, this is a very caring analysis and makes Mr Matthias a hero rather than villain - looking after even till the end…

[@creepypasta2771]

Teddy Weiher is my moms uncle. It was super hard for her. Thank you for giving this case some attention!

[@baneverything5580]

LOOK THIS UP ON YT: The Yuba County Five - Mystery In The Mountains (Part 1)

[@NemFX]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@marilima8430]

What information does your family have or know that wasn't mentioned? Because I first heard about this on a different channel that gave way more info and evidence.

[@justindunlap1235]

I really appreciate how you treat the cases with reverence and focus on the human element. This is by far the best video I have seen on the Yuba City 5. Thank you for taking the time and energy to make these videos.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you Justin! I appreciate that! It's odd, sometimes videos like this that I work so hard on, actually go and investigate the scene and towns etc.. no one's watches..🙃 but I appreciate your positive feedback! Thank you for watching and sharing you kind thoughts🙏

[@justindunlap1235]

@@bawattsyl honestly that story can be difficult to listen to, but you did a very respectful, thorough, and concise job of telling it.

[@bawattsyl]

@@justindunlap1235 thank you, and yes this was a tragedy in every way. I first heard of this story years ago when I was researching the Dyatlov Pass Incident. I read a ton of articles on this case and watched a ton of videos on it..(normally I don't watch other KZbin videos until after I've posted mine) but this was before I even had a channel. In any event, one thing I noticed was that no one had gone out there and retraced their movements.. so I had decided this summer I was going to do just that. It really brought many factors into focus. I'm not sure we'll ever know what really happened, and all the parents, people who worked this case, have all passed on.. but my hope is that perhaps one day we'll be able to piece most of it together. Thank you so much for watching, and your kind feedback🙏

[@maribeldeleon5323]

Yes and he even goes to see and investigate by his own account to some of this places where this tragedies took place. Unbelievable. Who does that? No one. He brings actual pictures of the places this boys were and found their deaths. He is the best narrator's.

[@bawattsyl]

@@maribeldeleon5323 thank you maribel, I really appreciate that kind feedback 🙏 than you for your appreciate! 🙏🙏

[@Firefy29]

I've seen many videos covering this case, but yours by far shows the most Reseach and on hands work. You did a great job on this case! I truly hope the renaming family remembers will get answerers. Thank you for putting so much effort into this case!

[@greenflea3]

Most stories on this case are just copies of other stories and in most cases ignore many new factor such as Jackie made it to the cabin.

[@shirueto748]

I've lived in yuba my whole life and surprisingly this story isn't generally known around this area ,I didn't even learn about it till 2 years ago Wich is a shame,this story needs to be shared and remembered. Awesome work on the vid bryan,much appreciated

[@see4ward]

You must be young.

[@pyewackett5]

Wow. I live in the UK & I'm well aware of this case.

[@JamiesLife]

Yes I agree I never even knew of this and I feellike its 2021 we need to have solved this by now

[@shelbymiller8233]

I live here also and had no clue this happened

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback having lived in that area. I wish I could have talked to you while I was there researching this case.. but I appreciate your feedback 🙏 and thank you for sharing the details🙏

[@wrathofatlantis2316]

The road being narrow enough to not allow turnarounds, especially with snowdrifts, is a crucial insight, not seen in any other videos about the case. Madruga cared about the car, and it was long and low to the ground. He was older, and being the car's owner he would have the authority to impose waiting for a proper turnaround.

[@twistoffate4791]

So many sad stories have begun with those fateful words: "And then a huge storm moved in... " ** Heavy Sigh ** My brother is paranoid schizophrenic. It is a hellish affliction. My brother is brilliant but his mental illness derailed his life. I cannot help but take a special interest in this tragic case and feel very sad for these men's families. Thanks, Bryan, for covering this case.

[@bawattsyl]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother and yes I know it's a hellish illness. A good friend i grew up with developed it in his early 20s. Thank you for sharing your experience 🙏

[@twistoffate4791]

@@bawattsyl Thank you for the kind words & for sharing about your friend, Bryan. Very kind.

[@deborahgonzalezknight168]

Pray healing over him in the name of Jesus. We have that problem in my family. Bind demonic influences and do it regularly.

[@seppo532]

@@deborahgonzalezknight168 no. It is a mental illness to be treated with medication. If it can be treated with medications, it can’t be demons. I too like to believe in the supernatural but in order to be sure there’s supernatural things at play, you have to rule out the natural causes first.

[@rayross997]

The car may have had a frozen gas line, I have had that happen. These poor guys just had a number of things go wrong and their mental problems added to the tragedy. You did an excellent analysis.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Great point! Definitely could have happened to them

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Gas doesnt freeze

[@rayross997]

@@whiteyfisk9769 Sometimes water gets in the gas and freezes. Happens here in Canada so gas line anti-freeze is added to gas.

[@AtomicExtremophile]

@@whiteyfisk9769 so why manufacture HEET fuel-line antifreeze?

[@AdrienneMint]

Bryan, I’ve watched videos on this case before and I didn’t think you would have anything new to say but I think you did the MOST outstanding job on a very sad case. More importantly, I also think your conclusion on what likely may have happened made sense. It really doesn’t seem like anything else could have happened. Your research is so outstanding. I’m looking forward to many more cases.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you Adrienne! I definitely worked hard on this one! And it was interesting actually retracing their steps in the actual area. I appreciate your feedback and kind words🙏

[@AdrienneMint]

@@bawattsyl I was very impressed that you did the drive they did. All your research is 5 star. I subscribed with you after my first video, a few months ago. And I look forward to each new video. Thank you for doing this for people like me, it’s really appreciated.

[@keastymatthew2407]

🤣 you've watched other videos?? Exactly lol. You havnt done any research you've jst watched videos. Are you a stay at home mum?

[@bawattsyl]

@@keastymatthew2407 are you talking to me or? I actually went to this location, traveled their exact route and talked to anyone I could find that knew about the case..I couldn't tell by your comment but i spent a lot of time on this case. If you have any questions I'm happy to answer! Obviously since it happened so long ago, many things have changed but I tried giving the best info I could find .. I'm always open to suggestions so definitely let me know your thoughts on this case and I'm sorry if I missed something. Thank you for watching and your feedback🙏🙏

[@keastymatthew2407]

@@bawattsyl no Bryan 😁 are you a stay at home mum?? It was directed to Adrienne. You do an outstanding job bud, keep it up. 👍

[@ancatdal]

There is one thing that really, really frustrates me about this case, and it's the information about how Theodore was wrapped in blankets. Was he wrapped in a way a person could to themselves prior to death, maybe in an attempt to have as little heat escape as possible; or is it almost certain that someone else wrapped him up shortly before death, or even after? Theodore was alive for a while, so if someone wrapped him up close to his death, then someone, perhaps likely Gary, was there alive with him. Some sources state he was wrapped up by someone else, others don't specify; some say the blankets where wrapped around his head, others that they covered him like a shroud. I really don't know what to believe, but it's a small fact that changes a lot about the proposed events. Regardless of what happened, it's such a tragedy 💔

[@bawattsyl]

I agree it's frustrating and I'm sorry I don't have an answer. Having visited the area first hand (unfortunately the trailer where he was found is gone) but so many things don't make sense. But I will say even driving the area in the summer in daylight, it's very curvy and dangerous roads.. so it's hard to know what happened. Thank you for watching and your comment!

[@ancatdal]

@@bawattsyl Thank you for sharing what you found!

[@johnallen6945]

I've lived in Red Bluff for 42 years and I've gone camping up in this area they were in. This has happened to me up there, if you don't know where you're going you can't see where the road goes because everything is in 6 feet of snow! In the daytime you can get snow-blinded and it can get very isolated in parts. If you got lost it would really be tough to find your way out of there, plus it gets freezing cold. There are some really big cougars and bobcats in the area and bears and coyotes. That's probably who scattered their bodies. So I can certainly see it happening. I have a funny feeling those boys are up in heaven now and they are playing one of the other heaven teams in a basketball game. They are all laughing and high-fiving, having a good time.

[@blacktoothfox677]

I think you are most likely correct, 100% - and massive credit to you for walking the walk, not just being another KZbinr talking meaningless talk. Subscribed - UK

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! Yes it was definitely very interesting actually retracing their movements. At least in my opinon it cleared up some things..especially the car.. and the idea that they were possibly being chased. Having driven that road in summer time. I can only imagine what it was like at night with snow convered roads with special needs kids driving. I'm guessing they were drving very slow and were probably getting more worried the further they went.. even now 40 years later there's really not much along that road. Thank you for watching and your support 🙏 I really appreciate it!

[@marcanthonynolan]

I've lived in Chico for 20 years, lived in Yuba City for a bit too.... I just found out about this story tonight and this is incredible, sad and haunting... Thank you for all the work you put into this.

[@angelmartin7310]

I've been told by 2 different people that people go missing in Chico and that something very strange is going on there.

[@marcanthonynolan]

@@angelmartin7310 lol I've lived here like I said 20 years and have never heard takes of multiple missing people. We have a lot of party kids here from the college. I remember the scandal over the frat house death years ago. Our homeless problem is pretty bad. Fair share of over dose deaths. But no, never heard we were a got bed for missing persons. The strangest shit going on in this town is a casual blind eye to routine semi functional alcoholism rampant throughout all levels of Chico lol

[@whiteyfisk9769]

What part of Montana or Idaho did you invade after escaping your containment zone?

[@fumanpoo4725]

Mexican dinners?

[@michaels7566]

Great detective work, I think you nailed it. Once they abandoned the car they made a big mistake and followed the snow cat tracks rather than walk out like the guy in the VW did. At first they were still warm and pumped up with sugar but the cold, snow and effort started to grind them down as they continued on. Gary might have been the alpha male and the others followed his lead and most couldn't keep up with him and he might have told them he would come back for them, which it seems he tried to do? People without disabilities can get themselves in similar situations (no GPS in those days), so it is likely they couldn't properly think/plan their way out of it. - I was thinking about doing a solo of the remote Nevada high point Boundary Peak in 2 weeks, but after watching your videos lately and my wife continually reminding me that I am 67...I think I will wait until next summer (longer and warmer days and maybe some other hikers).

[@TheGhostrider1959]

I think your spot on.....with maybe 1 additional observation. I had a 1969 Montego once upon a time....a big problem with mine was it drew moisture into the distributor cap in heavy rain or snow....those pre 1970 vehicles used a point & rotor ignition system and when it drew moisture it would shut it down leaving a person 2 options....1) take the cap off and try & dry it off or 2) just let it sit and it would eventually dry out and fire back up....I'm guessing it sat and dried out after sitting after the event & when they hot wired it (easy thing to do on old Ford /Mercury ignition system) it fired right off....I think Gary(or whats left of him) just got ripped apart like the others after freezing to death & just wasn't found....It was just a tragic set of circumstances that ended very badly....

[@michellep9999]

Thank you for your coherent video. This finally made some sense of this case. I think your conclusions are spot on. I’m truly heartbroken for those poor guys. I want to believe they had the most epic game of bball in afterlife history. I hope their families have found peace over the years.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you Michelle, I appreciate your feedback! It's definitely a very mysterious case, however, after going out there I feel like it helped solve at least a few things..especially why there was no damage to their car. Thank you so much for watching🙏

[@scottbubb2946]

Before video: Really been looking forward to this. After: I agree with your assessment. Occam's Razor. I feel terrible for these guys and their families, it's sad. But, yeah, I think a lot of things just happened to go against them that night and it was just plain bad luck. Thanks for this upload.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you for your feedback and for letting me know your thoughts. I really appreciate it 🙏

[@slopadoodle]

Occams Razor? I don't get it...

[@scottbubb2946]

It basically means that the simplest solution is probably the right one.

[@prarieborn6458]

Dear Bryan, those men were dependent on others to look after them, to see to their daily needs being met. That night they were literally like “ babes in the woods” It is so very tragic and I am wondering how long the search for them lasted? Did the search resume again during the winter ? Did the families push for more effort early on to find them? Thank you for your work on this channel. You give much more information than other accounts. and do try to bring closure for the families.

[@NemFX]

Actually, they were more independent than you'd think. Two had drivers licenses, and Jack Hewitt could drive a motorcycle, though the licence was probably more optional back then. Two had jobs, and one did volunteer work. Two were army veterans, one was honourably discharged, the other was essentially medically retired. Gary was self medicating during his army stint, but basically had a full recovery when they put him on the correct medications. All five were pretty physically well off, with only one being described unfavourably, of you see the picture of Jack on his motorcycle, his arms are pretty defined. All in all, this group was actually better off than people think.

[@sarahstrong7174]

At night, even without snow, even a relatively familiar road can be difficult to recognise. So it would be very easy to take a wrong turning & become very bewildered.

[@Animazed0micky]

I love your theory and research! I think it's the most plausible yet. I would not have thought Mathias would leave right away to look for the others but I think u are right. It makes sense he would try to help them

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you for watching and your feedback! Yes, I definitely put a lot of work into this one but still have lingering questions... thanks again for your kind feedback🙏🙏

[@robertstevenson8151]

I remember the boys and the car. I was working for Bill's dad at his gas station at that time. . They came by that day to fill the gas tank.

[@samaraosborne1585]

-> Then what is your take on what happened to them?? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts & conclusions, since you saw them fill their tank before it happened.. Divine Angelic Blessings!! 🖖🏼📖🙌🏼🙇🏻‍♀️🙏🏼🕊️👼🏻✨🌄🌌🌟🌔

[@judyfowler2023]

I like the narrator's voice. Very clear, very soothing. He keeps you interested. He's respectful also.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and kind words🙏

[@reptillayes]

Really interesting case. The main problem I have with your theory is that Weiher supposedly lived for 13 weeks in the trailer which means that if Gary tucked him in and then went to find the others Weiher would have had to lay in that exact position for 13 weeks. Unless I’m getting something confused

[@mnight207]

Im with you. That theory doesnt wash

[@bawattsyl]

Yes it's thought that he didn't really move from the bed. His feet were badly frost bitten and had developed a terrible infection. The drs said he wouldn't have been able to walk. It's hard to say really what happened. Its possible before Gary left he put whatever food stuff he saw lying around with Ted. Im guessing Gary never thought he'd be more than a few hours before returning with help. Based on how much Ted weighed beforehand and how much he weighed when they found him, several drs said it would roughly match up with how much he weighed when he was found. But again a lot of this is speculation. I never said my theory was 100% correct..I was simply offering my thoughts.. that's why I asked at the end of the video for your guys thoughts.. so what do you think happened? I'd be interested to hear your theory. Thanks for watching and your feedback! 🙏

[@reptillayes]

@@bawattsyl Thanks for replying Bryan. No I totally understand that you weren’t saying that theory was 100% correct I just wanted to open up a discourse about it and the fact that he didn’t move for 13 weeks was the only thing I couldn’t explain. Basically as I see it this would be a totally straight forward case if it wasn’t for the fact that weiher lived for 13 weeks. The only way I can make sense of that is if he was in some sort of comatose state for the entire 13 weeks until he finally starved to death which would explain why he didn’t eat any of the food or turn the gas on. But surely he would have died of dehydration first? Unless it is possible that the extreme cold is capable of keeping someone alive longer while comatose and without sustenance. I agree with your theory as a whole. I also understand that it’s hard to put he pieces together without really detailed information

[@bawattsyl]

@@reptillayes yes of course:) I love open discussions and I always encourage it so I appreciate your thoughts! Actually it's interesting you mention that because due to the advanced gang green, combined with the dehydration and mal nutrition it's quite possible he was in a coma for a extended period of that time.. another thing I thought I'd mention is, of the group he was known to lack any common sense in certain situations. Years prior his house had caught fire. He just stayed in his bed.. when his brother came to get him out and told him the house was on fire, he simply said: "I have to work tomorrow so I'm not getting up" so I think unfortunately his mental capacity probably played a big part in his demise. It's very plausible that he just stayed in that bed because his feet were hurting so bad and he just didn't know any better. It's very sad to think of, but unfortunately I think that based on the evidence, his mental handicap probably was a huge factor. I think once the group was separated, they were doomed. But again it's definitely a very bizarre case and it's doubtful we'll ever know for sure what actually happened🤷‍♂️ i appreciate your feedback and thoughts on this! I'm always interested to hear people's theories and ideas. Thank you again🙏

[@eucliduschaumeau8813]

You can't survive without water for more than 3 to 5 days. For his beard to grow that long, he had to be given water or gone outside for it as long as he survived. Food is different, as you can survive several weeks without it. Doing that without water is impossible.

[@katmack4215]

I only just found this channel a day or so ago..but I'm sooo happy I did! Great content,well researched,super audio..very well done,all around 👍 We're lookin at a rising star here guys 🙂

[@isabellind1292]

😊⭐🏆👍👍💓

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support and kind feedback🙏🙏

[@katmack4215]

I've heard these men's story many times,so I wasn't expecting to hear much new new info now..howev,I'm suprised that there were a few details I wasn't privy to. Also,I think this is a pretty good theory of what did,sadly,happen in the end.

[@fredklaiss8964]

Wow. What a great video. I have followed this case for years and it is so frustrating that the total truth will probably never be known. It is crazy to think that these 5 men may have died because they made a wrong turn or two and /or some real bad decisions. If what you say about the food in the trailer is true that would explain a lot. Maybe the unidentified watch also belonged to one of the workers. Thank You!!!!

[@djt8937]

Great vid. But on your theory, remember Ted lived for 8 to 13 weeks in the cabin, according to the examining doctor. And he was tightly wrapped in sheets after death. So Mathias couldn't have only been in the trailer with Ted briefly the first night. There's weeks of time passing before death, and someone wrapped Ted up. Evidence points to a prolonged stay there.

[@EphemeralProductions]

An interesting thing to think about: the drug benztropine, well i happen to know that if you take it long enough, it can reduce the amount of acetylcholine in your brain and essentially cause you to act like an Alzheimer’s patient. I found this out when a friend of mine, who also had psych disorders, started taking it to offset his shakiness and dyskinesia from the OTHER damn psych meds he took. In fact, those meds i think are the reason he died, by getting dizzy and passing out and falling. My point: maybe that medication (or lack OF it this case) caused something similar in the guy, and helped along his demise.

[@laurasalo6160]

This story is really sad. I always listen to it again when I see it. That guy alone in the shelter for so long is so heartbreaking and tragic 💔 I hope he knows they found him. I feel really terrible for their families. I hope they find that missing young man someday and take him home too. Thank you for covering this one. Your efforts to go out there and relay what you experienced are really appreciated. I think your theory makes a lot of sense.

[@bawattsyl]

Yes I agree very sad and must have been so hard on the families not knowing for all those years..unfortunately most of them died without having answers:( thank you for watching and your kind words🙏

[@nn431xru1]

no. he doesn't know his body was found because he was dead. their families should keep a better eye on them knowing their kids were retarded.

[@risboturbide9396]

Great respect to you, man. This case used to obsessed me; you nailed it. Great video.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I appreciate that! I still have some lingering questions about this case..hopefully one day they'll be answered.. thank you for watching and your kind thoughts🙏🙏

[@edju9968]

Bryan a cpl things. I appreciate your summary of the case. Your video is 25 min long so can only contain so much given documentaries on this are 60-90 min long. You make key points. Things I didn’t hear here but saw elsewhere, that Matthias was seen as a caregiver and sort of look over and out for the others. The ride home they went to the store in Chico only minutes from the game. Then drive towards home very late at night when 4 of the boys/men were considered homebodies and didn’t like/feared the dark. They would have to have missed went the wrong way for the shorter trip home. They end up 70miles from Chico going up into the mountain getting colder the higher they go. A GPS shows that to drive that it’s 2 hrs 20 min considering the mountain roads they turned onto. And very dark. Sochen said he thought he saw a truck behind his vehicle at one point but couldn’t be sure bc his pain effected his perception. 4 days missing a store cashier said she saw 4 guys come to the store in a truck, that she recognized at least a cpl as the missing. Weiher bought a burrito and milk. The mgr confirmed her info. Finally depending on the source Sochen “heard” a baby crying and saw a woman w guys. But many write he saw a woman and a baby. It could easily be one or two of the boys is crying (I sure would be, way hell up a dark mountain in the dark and cold hours after the game). If he misperceives the crying as a baby bc assumes by the sound heard it’s a baby. And if so then it’s easier to assume or project a woman/mother there also. There are two separate people say they see a truck, the cashier after they are missing, and Sochen the same night. No one is going to be thinking soundly off up in the snow. Distress will f’ you up bad. The more tired the worse it gets. Weiher was under those sheets bc he was freaking cold despite the wood stove and the heating system he could turned on. Terrified of the dark and so cold. Breathing under the 4? sheets keeps him slightly warm but not his feet. He’s likely shivering using large amounts of energy. He could have died at 8-10 weeks, using his fat reserves that kept him alive He may have gone into a coma as well. They said he dies of starvation and exposure. Both happen bc he ran out of fat. This could also be a robbery gone wrong and Mathias was likely seen as a threat and tried to fight back and was killed🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️… that’s more likely than Mathias is off his meds and freaks on them which some say. But then that’s said by ppl who haven’t been around a decompensating paranoid schizophrenic. A more likely case over him targeting them is he didn’t take the meds he could eventually have delusions of persecution, believing others are saying things about and/or trying to get him. Leaving the game thinking others are following them. It’s very unlikely bc others who know him can tell the subtle differences as he would decline psychologically before drastic actions. Thanks Bryan. ✌️

[@slinman100]

I agree with you. I think it all started with a wrong turn and then problems were compounded by the snow and mental limitations. It is sad-they seemed like a good group of young men who bonded over a love of basketball. 🙏🏼

[@apippin774]

Excellent explanations and debunking and excellent investigation on your part! Bravo!

[@kidtarri8170]

The crew ate the food before the boys arrived at the trailer. Never heard that theory before, but that really helps explain things! Only two boys made it to the trailer, and Mathias didn’t stay long…very good theory!!! I think you really put it all together in a simple and accurate explanation! Some people have a gift for these mysteries. I think it’s safe to say you’re one of them! 🙏🏼

[@wolfychicago]

Excellent analysis

[@chizzelfingers]

I'm a big fan of ur content. very respectful and the fact u actually ent there and weighted ur vehicle down to gain insight is awesome. very good video

[@ageddes83]

Great video. I think your conclusions make a lot of sense. Sometimes people can go a little overboard with conspiracy theories so I appreciate how logical and thought out this video is. Visiting the site had to be so helpful in visualizing how things could have happened. Maybe some sign of Gary will be found one day...

[@Beloved-of-the-Divine]

@bawattsyl Another theory is that Mathias stayed with Weiher untill he passed away, then took his boots and left. From what I understood there were empty food ration cans both in the cabin, near the bed as well as on the ground outside the broken window.

[@Annex-x1g]

Best coverage and details of all the videos I've seen on this case. and this is one that I've watched just about every video out there. It's just so weird and sad. I think it's great you actually went out there to investigate and try and get a better idea of where they were and what could have happened.

[@wekivaaquatics5918]

Bryan, thank you for the research you do. Your videos have so much more depth than most other people's videos. I heard this and other stories you've covered from other people, but none of them dive as deep as you do. You really add a lot of info and give us a better perspective. Keep up the great work 💪👍

[@LouBloom21655]

What a great theory. Everyone thinks of these far out theories when it could've just simply been a wrong turn.

[@cth_tt5829]

I would suggest listening to the new podcast from Mopac Audio- The Yuba County 5. It will shed light on more facts and truths about the men and who they were and what they were capable of. Most videos out today get the information from old news articles which were not completely correct. Thanks for the video and being apart of those who try to make this story known.

[@VideoCesar07]

I was revisiting some old , unsolved cases since I was curious if there had been any new developments. While it is obviously not conclusive your theory based on your first hand observations on the area, and taking into account how it was back then, offers a very plausible explanation about what happened. I feel so bad for all 5 of these men to find themselves in a situation they were all unprepared to handle in one way or another. It really is heart-breaking to fathom what might have been going through their minds when things appeared hopeless. 😢

[@cheshirecatvanished]

That was fast! Very odd case, it's so sad that the poor guy was alive for so long and nobody found him in time.

[@erikjames2848]

Looking at the historical weather that day, Sacramento International Airport was a high of around 60 and low of 40, which would have been similar in Oroville. Accounting a 3 degree temperature loss per 1000 feet for 4400 feet in elevation the lows would have been in the 20s. Typical mild Northern California winter days, despite the big snowpack. Hard for people outside the area to understand those conditions. 20 degrees and no warm clothes is a bad combo though. It's common around here to dress lightly in the valley winters, but a 30 minute drive into the mountains can be a totally different environment.

[@agent_of_cthulhu]

Sad story. Wonder if they picked someone up who said they lived up there. Would explain how they wound up so far out.

[@bawattsyl]

That's definitely a possibility! And actually isn't something I had thought of... thank you for sharing that! If they had indeed picked someone up though, why didn't that person come forward? Maybe they died out there too? Lots of questions in this case. And sadly the parents and detectives have all passed away. Thank you for watching, and your feedback🙏

[@maxmoncada4272]

Such a tragedy. What was supposed to be a night with the boys turned into a nightmare with no end. I can't imagine the toll this had on the families

[@twistoffate4791]

Exactly... "Nightmare with no end" is exactly right. Horrible.

[@scot1972sb]

I have soaked up all the information and read and watched every docu, on this mystery but you sir have hit the nail on the head..Fantastic work brother, I am subbed with notifications

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I appreciate that! I worked very hard on this one and even retraced their steps.. was definitely a lot but I've always been stumped by this case.. so I really wanted to dig deep. I appreciate your kind feedback and for subbing! 🙏

[@scot1972sb]

@@bawattsyl You must be a fan of Columbo or Monk. Lol

[@juliejackman2649]

I'm surprised that no one who didn't have any mental disabilities didn't go along. My son has autism and I for sure wouldn't let him go in that circumstance. (Not putting blame anywhere, just puzzled about it).

[@chasesmith9398]

They are grown men that's probably why. And they were just driving to chico and back. Tons of chico residents drive to yuba city for work and vice versa or farther normally.

[@jshaw4757]

@@chasesmith9398 grown men that did things such as when there house is actually on fire and their brother enters the room and tells the person his house is on fire replied with "I'm not getting out off bed because I've got work tommorow"..lol

[@maribeldeleon5323]

Thank you for all you go through just to bring us your viewers an excellent videos. Pictures and all. Your simply the best. I love your channel.

[@cathleenweston3541]

So sad. The Sierra Madre are dangerous. I've been up that highway Feather River Canyon WAS gloriously beautiful, it has now burned down along with every major forest. Giant Sequoias are under threat as I write. I've lived here 60 years. This is not natural. It is manmade fire.

[@thesacredmountain3448]

Agreed. I live south of where the sequoia natl forest burned last summer. We could see what looked almost like volcanic or nuclear explosions in the mountains from our driveway. Not natural for forest fire at all.

[@sernitypart1457]

Great Video on this case! I hadn't thought of many of the things you mentioned. Thank you for the upload!

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@MsOneironaut]

Good to see you post again Bryan! some really strange but sad case here!

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you miss gem 💎! Yes I'm back to my regular upload schedule and this week I uploaded several videos to make up for the last few weeks. I had been working on them the whole time, but had very limited cell service and wifi. In any event, thank you again for your kind words! 🙏

[@Adrian-zd4cs]

I have watched so many opinion based retellings and/or theories of this case and yours sums it up how I feel. 💗

[@iersejounge]

Very cool channel mate. Your a great story teller and you use your intelligence well. Cheers from Lancaster, UK

[@onefeather2]

I believe you are right. lov your videos.

[@dianneD27]

Excellent video. I love that you go and investigate the place where things happened. 👍🐨🇦🇺🦘👍

[@aprilf3970]

I have so many questions , but somewhat satisfied with your assessment of the case.

[@AADmrstangerbanger]

I live in Chico ca and know exactly where all this happen. Crazy!!

[@serenityhiker9467]

Awesome Video! i watched a lot of these videos, and yours is one of the best! Thank you!

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback🙏

[@msnovtue]

I largely agree with the conclusions here. A couple of things: --My Mom was a gradeschool teacher for 20 years, and did have to deal with some LD students. One of the problems I have with a lot on analyses on this case is that they credit these guys with a lot more independent thought and practical life experience than they probably had ( with the possible exception of Mathais). Three of them were described as "childlike". Think about your typical 1st to 3rd grader. They'll remember they need to put shoes on to go outside, but do they remember they need to tie the laces first? There's another level of independent thinking going on that doesn't always happen. Also, these guys all still lived with family/parents, and only 2 of them had driver's licenses. Again, with the exception of Mathais, I'd bet none of them had ever had any experience with a heating system beyond maybe changing the setting on a home thermostat. Looking for, finding, and turning on a propane tank was not something any of them were likely to think of. Same with hunting for more food in a locked locker. It seems perfectly everyday and logical to any adult of average intelligence of similar ages, but not these guys. --I've driven in a wooded, mountainous area in snowy weather..... There's no street lights, few signs, and everything can easily look alike after a while. Getting lost/turned around and mixed up is ridiculously easy---especially if you're distracted by, say, being excited about the basketball game you just left? These sort of conditions are perfect for turning a few minor mistakes into a major problem. --Re: the car, look up something called vapor lock. Used to happen all the time before electronic ignition systems. I even remember having it happen a few times on my 1st car, which was a 1984 model. I don't recall the fine details, but if you shut off a hot engine, vapor lock can occur and you probably won't be able to restart the engine until it cools down. --Remember, while they wouldn't have had cell phones or GPS, they probably had at least one paper map; most people kept at least a state map in their glovebox in those days. I'm old enough to remember using them, and they always had government backed (i.e. state or national) park facilities marked on them. -an alternative theory is that the three found fairly close together may have headed out for help first, and left Weiher and Mathais with the car. (Mathais was the only other person with a driver's license, so it makes a bit of sense.) The initial 3 get lost in the woods; after a while, Mathais, probably being the most worldly of the bunch, realizes help isn't coming and that he needs to get himself & Weiher to better cover. He gets them both to the cabin, digs out & opens a bunch of food for Weiher, just in case. Mathais gets Weiher situated, tells Weiher to stay there, then gets the flashlight & blankets, the heavy duty shoes, and goes out to find the first 3 and/or help. Unfortunately, he finds neither. Either he has an accident or just gets lost/ disoriented, and dies of exposure. No remains are found due animals and/or heavy snow melt.

[@msreb2700]

They had four paper maps.

[@gwenreader6631]

I think back then you could also “flood the engine” and then the car won’t start. They may have gotten momentarily stuck, killed the motor then when trying to start the car the vapor lock and or flooding happened and they felt they had to leave the car.

[@Tina06019]

It could definitely have been vapor lock, and none of the men knew to wait until the engine cool a bit to try starting the car again. My old car (1970s) use to do that. Also, in extreme cold (like Canada, Michigan’s UP, etc.) even modern cars sometimes get too cold to start. We used plug-in oil pan heaters in the winter.

[@Petergalvan]

Good theory

[@janettesanchez3069]

Hey bryan ! It's been a while i hope your feeling better glad to see you might be back making content always look forward to your videos 🙏😊 your awsome!

[@bawattsyl]

Hey there! Thank you so much! Yes I'm back to my regular schedule:) and since I missed several weeks.. this week I'm uploading 3 videos. But yes I'll be back to uploading at least 1 new video a week, but potentially more:) thank you for your kind words! And thank you for watching🙏

[@gingercox6468]

I remember this case. At least i remember seeing their faces before a long time ago. Probably in a newspaper. I graduated high school in 1971, so this wasn’t that much later, considering. Thanks for going on this quest. What a shame, they probably didn’t know what krations were, didn’t mess much with propane. If this happened today they would have a chaperone or keeper.

[@susanjordan5949]

I agree with your conclusions. I have read about this case many times over the years and I have never felt that anyone else was involved. I think they got lost and died of exposure.

[@markwolfshohl6562]

Good job Bryan. Well researched.

[@bawattsyl]

Thank you Mark! It's definitely hard as cases age, and now almost everyone chose to the investigation, family, police, etc have passed; however, going out there and retracing the boys movements definitely helped clear some things up for me. Who knows exactly what happened..we can only make our best guess on the evidence and testimony we do have.. thank you so much for watching and your kind feedback🙏

[@razorfett147]

Unfortunately, i think the only hope we had of finding out what sent the boys running off into the freezing wilds that night died with J Schons yrs ago. He's the only one that had confirmed contact with the boys on the mountain that night. Whether he was witness to a sequence of events that led to the incident or got involved in an altercation with the boys, causing them to flee in panic....we'll never know

[@janisoconnor6881]

Good thoughts, good job.

[@bigal1024]

I live in yuba city. Trust me, if you drive that far, you know your lost. Its a straight shot from YC to chico. This is totally a wierd story

[@Llerrah508]

In very familiar with this case. I'm excited to watch and go over some info I may have. I'll report back, thanks Bryan

[@inwardk]

Thank you, that was interesting. I agree with your assessment, it makes the most sense. Greetings from South Africa

[@bluehoney8352]

Great job!

[@patriciariddle2997]

I was barely out of high school when this happened. I have never heard of them. What a sad way for their lives to end after all their struggles in life.

[@bokhans]

As a previous owner of 3 Volkswagen bugs and living in Scandinavia with cold winters I can tell you that the most common heather in these cars are Eberspächer and they work on their own and is mounted in the forward compartment and run on gas from the gas tank. The car engine don’t need to run. Without this contraption the heating isn’t that good but with this heater you drive around in shorts all winter, it gives an excellent heath.

[@smileycamel5635]

I think you have the most plausible theory...it is a very sad case.....

[@NemFX]

Honestly, the only unknown is the inciting incident that got them in that area. They all perished. There are three roads from the trailer, one was found inside the trailer, two were found on the middle road, one was found on the inner road, i presume Gary was on the outer road. They found blankets and a flashlight from the trailer there. Not to be crass, but, it would be the most likely outcome. I am of the opinion that they all got to the cabin. They stayed together for some time, not sure how long. Then, at some point they tried to leave. Two of them went for the car, together, but didn't make it. Those were the ones with the keys, and i suspect that they were trying to go for help. Then at some point, one of the other two men tried to find them, took the wrong path, and unfortunately died alone. The last? I think he stayed with his injured friend, until the friend died, then tried to escape after wrapping up his friend in sheets. Was there a disagreement, an argument, which is why they didn't leave together? Maybe. It would explain why they were apart. But regardless, i just see a collection of tragedies. The only question is Why they were there, and we probably won't get that answer. I have two theories. One, the probably boring one, they somehow legitimately got lost. I don't believe this one for two reasons, the drive from the game to home was almost a straight line, so they wouldn't need to turn off for any reason. Second theory, this is due to mostly hearsay, but.. Joseph, when he was at the bar recovering, said something to the effect of "i should have done that two years ago" .. had a heart attack? Got his car stuck in the snow? No, I'm sorry, that either sounds like a partial confession or gloating. The boys, and the Gateway Project, had been targeted before. There was a lot of fire, and one of the employees was killed. Bear in mind, this was the 70s, and the past is not a nice place. There was also a man who was described to be the town.. bully is the nicer term, we will use that. He was romantically linked with Gary's sister, when she keft, he swore revenge on her family. So, theory is, those two, somehow, are responsible. Joseph's story about checking snow.. is weak. I'm sorry, it's just flimsy. But, if he was part of a group chasing the Boys, and something went south? The stress from that could cause a heart attack. My money is on two, based on the evidence. The Boys could have started a fire, but that would have drawn attention. Why were they trying to avoid detection? Possibly because they thought they were being chased or threatened.

[@davidandrews190]

Why does the guy who was in the beetle doubted so much? You surely follow every lead cause these guys were vulnerable and possibly terrified This is so tragic ❤️🇬🇧🍀

[@gregserna963]

Hi Brian, love your channel and look forward to more of your content!!! As 4 the Yuba 5, there's a lot of different stories & speculation?? I think they were put in a difficult situation, and Unfortunately didn't have the right answers to their dilemma??

[@dragonspirit1987]

There's no way Weheir laid there ALONE for WEEKS with frostbitten feet so bad that 5 toes eventually fell off and didn't move, eat or drink without someone being there with him to at least get him some water. Gary Mathias had to have stayed there for some time, he couldn't have just wrapped Weheir up in sheets and left that same night/next day to search for the others. He obviously eventually did leave, probably after some time realizing Weheir was never going to be able to heal or get well enough walk out of there, and no one was coming to rescue them. I don't know if the other 3 guys ever even made it to the cabin, it's more likely they perished the night they went walking away from the car and simply got too cold & exhausted to go on. Why didn't they all just start walking back down the road the way they came? They would have at least been heading down below the snow line rather than deeper into it...I guess we'll probably never know. It seems to suggest they were afraid to go in that direction, like they were fleeing from someone or something. Joseph Shones' stories always seemed to be trying to hide something and he was somehow omitting something to avoid revealing involvement...also odd how he cried a lot at the hospital and wasn't even able to tell his wife what happened. I drove that same model Mercury Montego for 28 years and it's extremely front-heavy due to the massive motor with a lot of power and the back end is very light, and being rear-wheel drive it tended to spin the tires in bad weather and even fishtail easily. I hated driving it in the snow and trying to go up a steep hill was always a nightmare because the wheels would spin so easily. My dad even loaded the trunk with bags of cat litter to help try to weigh the back end down. It's entirely understandable how the car could have gotten "stuck" without actually literally being stuck in deep snow and unable to turn it around on a road without much room...afterall, that one guy going skiing had to dig out snow from the side of the road in order to get past it.

[@IanP1963]

Very mysterious Bryan - it must have been interesting retracing their steps !!!!

[@bawattsyl]

Yes! Even now, 40 some odd years later, those roads are very remote and are very curvy, steep, and narrow. But after driving them, I truly believe the reason their car was undamaged; was because they were most likely drving very slow..but it's definitely a bizarre mystery..

[@michaelsergejhelgesson7889]

A highly realistic and logic analyses!

[@57doggy]

Thanks for the video Brian, really well done. I have watched a lot of these videos as well and do believe the mental issues were the main culprit. One thing I would like to know, and something I haven’t seen in any video, is the point where they made the wrong turn. Was it not well marked? Were there no signs to Yuba City there? Had Madruga driven this route before? Also, who was the one making the decisions? I imagine Madruga and Matthias were the ringleaders so to speak. They panicked.

[@emeraldqueen1994]

As someone who’s disabled, just so you know, the word “handicapend” is better used for accessible OBJECTS / LOCATIONS while “DISABLED” is better suited for people…

[@bawattsyl]

While I'm sorry for whatever disability you have. 🙏 genuinely. I have several disabilities myself. The most significant is the congenital defect in my hands. I was born without the saggital bands that allow people to open and close their hands. According to my Dr's at John's Hopkins, I'm the only person in their history to have this. So I know what it's like. I didn't mean to use the wrong words. I just wanted you to know I've gone through a lot myself. I'm sorry if I offended you. Take care of yourself and thank you for watching and your feedback🙏 my prayers and thoughts are with you.

[@robertmcfall9071]

Further impressed with your investigation technique. Go to the actual site of ground zero. Never heard about this case tho. Don't know if missing 411 will cover this. Dave said that he gets inundated with cases. I believe you are spot on here

[@bawattsyl]

Yes there were things that always bothered me about this case, so I thought why not go there and retrace their steps as best I could.. thank you for your thoughts and feedback🙏 much appreciated 🙏

[@joett84]

Dave has done a video on this case. It was the first time I had heard of it. Drew Beeson has written a well-researched book about the case.

[@bawattsyl]

@@joett84 cool! I'll have to check those out! What is the books title? I'm sure I'll find it. Thank you for the info and for watching!

[@see4ward]

Dave did it quite awhile ago.

[@robertmcfall9071]

@@bawattsyl have you guys done a show on the Delphi Indiana snap chat murders of Lizzie and Abbi ?

[@jacksonmordente8716]

They walked a 20 mile route to the trailer they took the longer way there because the snow cat made a trail. You may mention it later in video but wanted to chime in before i forgot lol. Awesome video

[@lesliegennicecox5438]

I think they made a wrong turn too. It happened to me. It was easy to get lost in the old days. My heart goes out to them and their families. 😪

[@grahamblack1961]

It just seems to have been a catalogue of mistakes and bad decisions. There doesn't seem to be any evidence that other parties were involved, or of some unknown situation they were involved in. Poor guys, must have been a very scary way to go.

[@vikramgupta2326]

Sounds plausible. What is it with missing persons in woods and shoes; there's often an anomaly with footwear.

[@robandcheryls]

Horrible circumstances, I can’t imagine the fear, horror and the END these poor kids knew would come. At different points in their struggles. 😢

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

Grew up in Sutter California, Graduated from Marysville High, I have NEVER heard this story. I was 10 Years old when this occurred.

[@danielwebster5748]

A lot of people find it odd that one of them died next to a fireplace and with a cabinet full of food however they did have to break a window to get in and he might have figured it was private property and he wasn't going to take anything else even if he was starving

[@fokkerd3red618]

Here's what doesn't make sense to me. I was in the Army back in 76-79. When you go through Basic training, you really have to be at the top of your game. Any type of mental health issues would probably be spotted by one or more of the Drill Sergeants during your 8 week training period. Bivouacing, Qualifying with a M16 and plenty of physical training keep you in very good shape. Doing 20 mile road marches wasn't uncommon. So the two guys who had been in the Army sure gave up pretty easy, considering they had completed Basic training.

[@hayunnie]

I don't think that the trailer being a twenty-mile track away from the car was an oversight. I believe it was established (or at least heavily assumed) by the police back then that the boys just took a longer route to the trailer than necessary. Most likely because they decided to follow track marks from a maintenence vehicle that had been up there a couple of nights before.

[@annmeyer2854]

Fantastic, informative video- many thanks

[@joshthemediocre7824]

The fact that they are 24-32 years old and their moms were still doing their laundry tells you how this could have happened the way you said it did. Me and 4 of my friends at any age passed 14 would have been fine in this situation. It's sad but sometime parents will love a child to death without ever teaching it anything.

[@HollyCat504]

Did you miss the whole part about them having severe mental disabilities? They were treated like children bc most had the mind of children.

[@dylanscritters2238]

I was raised in Yuba City and surrounding Cities i.e. Olivehurst, Msvl.,and Linda. I went to Yuba Gardens and I was supposed to be there the day of Eric Huston shooting up Lindhurst High in 1991-1992! My best friend WAS there but her class was able to block the door. He tried that door but couldn't get in so he went to the very next door and killed several students and teacher that day.

[@dylanscritters2238]

My madian name is Vicki Hofer if you don't believe me you can look it up.;-)

[@alexandersupertramp1095]

Awesome Channel. I like it that you actually went to the locations and described how it was. You should have shown more video footage of the locations as it looked when you were there.

[@mr.halloween87]

Sometimes a bad road gets better and you think you are on your way out! When in fact you are at the end...

[@sarahstrong7174]

Some good points but it is likely that we will never really know. Very sad.

[@sagebowerssikora678]

Watching this because I live in yuba city