Hikers Find Dead Body In Tent, Revealing Chilling Mystery: The Solved Case of Mostly Harmless

In this true crime documentary, we're covering the solved mystery of Mostly Harmless, a mysterious hiker who remained unidentified for nearly two years. In 2018, Mostly Harmless was found deceased in his tent in the middle of Big Cypress National Preserve, launching an unsolved mystery that would captivate the internet for two years. Detectives and internet sleuths alike poured over the clues he left behind in the form of photos on the trail, but despite ample evidence, no one could uncover his real name... until NOW. We can now finally say this case has been solved. Join us for a true crime storytime covering the solved mystery of unidentified hiker, Mostly Harmless.

[@evelynu3550]

“He was described to be between the ages of 35 and 60.” That’s some range there.

[@johnbatiste3378]

Lmfao 😂

[@hamzaa.8082]

I wanted to comment the same but some men start to have grey hair sooner than usual and for the untrained eye, they'll assume he is much older than he is.. hair color, balding are the two most obvious things people use to assume a man age but they are not sufficient in reality..

[@jaceelliott9659]

That is a class comment, well they needed to start somewhere. 👍👍

[@user-ns9nm1wo3r]

@@jaceelliott9659 uz was

[@beckhaglund]

Haha!!

[@DaisyDojo]

There's a beautiful irony in that he tried to disappear and accidentally made so many people care about him. Not just on his trip, but even after he was gone.

[@keysersoze8648]

what's so sad is, out of all the people who cared about the guy none of them were his family and friends, it was only strangers

[@digitoxsynth1905]

@@keysersoze8648 Maybe his family and friends do actually care but they just don't want to stand out. Idk if that was the right word.

[@nikkoREEE]

Honestly, i belive his intention was to just hike abit and then die in a tent, but the hikers he met made him stay alive longer. or atelast id like to think that

[@keysersoze8648]

@@digitoxsynth1905 You may be right, but you don't see that in this video.

[@ivettesmile]

This is my favorite comment 🥺.

[@andyanderson5637]

Crazier than him dieing, the landlord going a year & hf before entering his apartment with unpaid rent. WTH.

[@jimmywinter7961]

I FUCKIN KNOW RIGHT!? Dude I'm from Brownsville Brooklyn, East NY. Lemme tell you, I've never heard of any NYC landlord giving anyone that long on past due rent before opening the door. This story is crazy, it kinda sucks that everyone like dove so deep into this dude's life, dude just wanted to disappear and even in death it wasn't possible which is sad. He was clearly very upset with his choices, and his state of mental health wasn't the best, he wanted to go out on his own accord or at least do something he thought he would enjoy before his brain inevitably ate itself and left him a husk of his previous self. Regardless if my child was a domestic abuser, if they went missing I'd absolutely be reporting that. I wouldn't be proud of his actions or who he was, but I wouldn't not contact the police if my child went missing. There's a lot wrong with this lol

[@pewsterbaby]

@@jimmywinter7961 Greenpoint, Brooklyn in da ouse now too. Wazzup be-atch?

[@chanteledwards3615]

It was during quarantine. Landlords couldn’t put anyone out. I’m from nyc myself.

[@AB_Deck]

@@jimmywinter7961 a lot wrong with this. yeah, your LOL at the end

[@RalphBellairs]

Not unusual. Check out the movie "Dreams of a LIfe" about a young woman whose body was found in her apartment more than two years after she had died, but nobody thought to go and check on her. Bailiffs who went to evict her for non-payment of rent simply left again when they got no reply.

[@holly.mackerall]

24:10 - I'm dyyyyying at the period tracker and tampon stock footage you used!!! Awesome video man!!

[@Eileen_Yulick]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Daynamarie07]

I had to rewind to make sure I saw that too 😂😂😂

[@ericlandry4849]

Bro i was like maybe its some special eraser? But nah we all knew

[@lillianspearls]

RIGHTT

[@the_real_vdegenne]

saw that too I was on the floor xD

[@Dilemma998]

I had no idea "trail angels" were even a thing- but that's so wholesome

[@kennethkeith3335]

Yeah but watch out for the trail demons...

[@dom9160]

Everytime you stop to pee on the side of the trail one is born

[@friebs1687]

I have a trail angels list from the Appalachian Trail that I kept from a few years back.

[@karendavis3275]

@@friebs1687 do trail angels give their real names ? Just curious

[@Cuban20]

@@friebs1687 Can you tell us more about that?

[@errinaddis1044]

I think it’s very sad that strangers cared more for him then his own family.

[@doracampos2088]

Yes but we don’t know why or what he did to deserve that.

[@jhembaruela3327]

yeah....

[@laurenalexandra9677]

Strangers said he did nothing to them but we dont know what he did to his family... so we shouldn't judge his family.

[@ericf7063]

I think the strangers cared more about the unsolved mystery than the person. As for the family, I do believe there is a huge backstory there because that isn't normal for family and friends not to question or wonder why they haven't heard from someone for an extended period of time. Concerning the family's disinterest in Vance's whereabouts or wellbeing, his friend did say, "they have their reasons". That leads me to believe that there was a huge falling out with all concerned.

[@thebeasters]

@@laurenalexandra9677 maybe they are assholes like mine

[@thrillho4209]

Trail angels sound like the most wonderful people. Driving around looking for hikers to help? Beautiful.

[@Red-de5my]

Nobody notice how utterly sad Vance looked in his younger years, but not the slight but genuine smile mostly harmless had. Dude had reasons he started his adventure. After hearing how people knew him described him, I think Vance just had a bad deck of cards when it came to people, he never contacted any of them for a reason.

[@Red-de5my]

Also the mother of Vance’s ex saying “He had the Gaul to kick her out of her own apartment.” when it was stated by the landlord to be Vance’s he shared with his gf at the time, and leaving her in it with all his stuff after he disappeared. Implies the ex figured she’d get one good kick on the guy after he was down (6ft what a bitch, also too dumb to get her facts straight)

[@eddvcr598]

What I found was incredibly sad was how Internet sleuths tried to find out who he was “because somebody’s gotta be missing him,” when in reality, it sounds like nobody really did. I think Vance really hated who he was and how he ruined everything and hurt everyone, so he tried to escape Vance’s world by escaping into a completely opposite world, where maybe he can be mostly harmless.

[@grahamlister214]

Reckon some people are nice people but don't mix well 👍🏼

[@ctmarie7172]

💯% agree. At one point or other we are always going to be tha bad or mean person in someone’s life. But from what ppl say he was a kind person and I am so happy they found his identity. May he now Rest In Peace

[@kylieknight2365]

You forget some people are just lost and can’t find their place in society they don’t fit anywhere no matter where they go and that’s the sad bit

[@kingflores8915]

@@kylieknight2365 that’s all in the persons mind, people make things worse on themselves, instead of trying to find actual help, and not thinking everyone’s against them.

[@kylieknight2357]

@@kingflores8915 utter bullshit you’ve obviously never worked with mental illness sufferers depression anxiety, you just do everyone a favour and stay away from those that need a little assistance in life or working with people because clearly a rock has more empathy than you.

[@colonycampbell4262]

Wow there is a whole hiking society I never even knew about

[@nikitasimonerealm7367]

Trust me I thought the same xx

[@javybavy]

Same

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

I found it about 7-8 years ago and wish I had found it earlier.

[@chipsthedog1]

I cannot recommend enough a book called a walk in the woods by Bill bryson. It details his thru hike of all 2 thousand miles or so of the Appalachian trail, it's really funny as he has never hiked before so it's a hoot also his friend that comes along is a heavy drinker who even throws all their food away on the first day as its too heavy. The book is full of interesting stories from the trail and the history of the trail, it includes tales of animal attacks (one man got scalped by a great grey owl when leaving his tent to release himself at night) there are so many interesting stories from crashed planes being found deep in the woods full of cash and cocaine to the more mundane human stories about some of the amazing hikers. He meets. Trust me after reading it you will want to hike the A T yourself

[@stephaniehunter3251]

I know !!! I also had no idea.

[@tracyr7948]

This story makes me incredibly sad. I’m not commenting about his behavior (good or bad) but, not 1 person reported him missing. I’m beyond grateful to have a small group of friends and a workplace that would notice and report. It means a lot when you’re flying solo!

[@jamiex8385]

i dont think you even watched the video. its fairly common for soul searchers and people who want to leave behind their old lives to not carry identification, technology, and trackable items. the most his family and friends would have known is that he left to go on a long hike, with those conditions. it is not their fault.

[@jamesmcgaha5166]

​@@jamiex8385 if you go missing for months without any contact and no one reports that your friends and family are shittt

[@SirRavixofFourhorn]

@@jamiex8385 douche

[@voodoochild5440]

Imagine what kind of awful human you have to be, for that to happen

[@I.pray.to.George.Carlin]

@@jamesmcgaha5166 exactly 💯

[@margiewinslow872]

Long hikes are potent anti depressants and anti anxiety treatments. I discovered this myself and still use it. My therapist said I was trying to escape, but I carried my thoughts with me and let them run through my head. And there was real and lasting healing. The even rhythm of walking synchs with breathing and heartbeat. Walking meditation. A short stroll doesn't do it, though.

[@ruthcain2937]

So true. You need to be away from things for a long enough time for them to recede.

[@alicornish]

Amen 🙏 ❤

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Exercise is the most effective cure for depression.

[@christislight]

absolutely

[@rebel4466]

I don't think it's escaping, if you don't avoid things doing it. Like going hiking instead of an important appointment or whatever. Being outside, walking and exploring nature is closer to our nature as a lifeform than 8 hours in the office and in front of the TV before going to bed. Slowing down their modern lives will probably benefit many people in general.

[@sobetterwithyou]

"Turns out what he might have been running from is himself". These words can't be more true.

[@meatyoakergeorge]

@Goober Goblin Ok then tell me why then would not one family member, not even a cousin or anything try and find out where he vanished then?... If you can pin a whole family as the "bad guy" but not a lone person, who's definitely got some deep issues, then you might need to go on a hike like good ol' "Bagger" Vance

[@K-G-S_66]

True or maybe left old him and started as kind and mostly harmless There's a reason he chose this name RIP

[@alexanderredhorse1297]

@@meatyoakergeorge you sound like you have some other issues you need to clear up yourself.

[@estebanvelarde1]

His demons caught up to him in the middle of his journey. Maybe even before.

[@K-G-S_66]

@@estebanvelarde1 life can be cruel to the point that you just wish everything ends at least he chose to go through a land with no path and created one which i think is the most brave thing So yes i agree with you

[@nehajha7431]

What really hurts me is that nobody really missed him and a colleague identified him by chance .

[@MelonieG85]

Same!! 💔😔

[@deborahgate965]

Having a mental illness can b very isolating.

[@no_peace]

It sucks

[@no_peace]

I hope he saw his bear

[@deborahgate965]

@Ethan Yost maybe

[@karayanna8119]

None of Vances life surprises me knowing someone with Schizoeffective disorder myself. It only makes me feel that much more sympathy. There is no excuse for abuse but I couldn't even begin to understand what went on in his head. The story just reminds me that people are only fascinated with stories. Not real people. Real people have flaws, real people are confusing, hard to understand. Stories can be interpreted by the reader. Vance wasn't a story. He was a very complicated man.

[@Ready-ForTheEnd]

I Agree 100% and it's kinda sad yet understandable that some people from his past took the time to bash this man in death. He died alone in the middle of the woods. Is that not punishment enough

[@Dfender67]

Well I feel they were not necessarily bashing him since most of them were not even volunteering information in the first place, but simply sharing their true feelings and experiences they had with him. However, if he did have a mental illness friends and family need to understand that was what he had but it was not who he was. Also, it’s important not to take any of it personally as the bad times were the mental illness speaking not necessarily himself.

[@glorybelieve9010]

@@Ready-ForTheEnd - Perhaps, He Is DOING EVERYTHING HE LOVES, and is FINALLY FREE. 😅 Death, is not the End. It Depends on HOW, You lived Your life. In general, We All have flaws, and make bad choices in life, He made a few. Maybe that’s Why, He Chose too Hike Alone, and Look to find His way, and it took Him EXACTLY Where He Needed to Be. 😇 He NEVER again Will have too worry about What ANYONE ELSE WOMAN, or MAN, Thinks, or Feels About what it is He does. He is FREE, To Do Everything He Loves to Do, at the Best Age He Chose, in Heaven 🥰🙌🏻✊🏻👍🏻🤟🏻🙏🏽

[@Ready-ForTheEnd]

@@glorybelieve9010 I agree 100%.

[@stfuplsok]

@@glorybelieve9010 to* hike to* worry

[@unknownatlantis]

He had a troubled life and I think he indeed did leave with the intention of not returning due to his past incident of trying to take his life. Though, hearing how kind he was to the hikers I think shows he wanted to go out making a positive difference. He seems like a good soul who just had a few wrong things going on. I hope he passed happy and was aware he brought much kindness to those around him.

[@MarganaSkye]

Regardless of his past, I'm glad that the last part of his life involved considerate strangers that only judged him on his quiet demeanor and his kind eyes. I did not realize there was such a large hiking community stretched among the states but these people truly made a difference.

[@AisforAtheist]

The kind eyes of a man who terrorized his gf for 5 years? 🙄

[@AisforAtheist]

@Frogger did you know them? I didn't. I just think if everyone in his life wanted nothing to do with him and even his best friend said, "there's a reason no one reported him missing," it's likely he wasn't the nicest guy. That doesn't mean he didn't deserve to have a name in death, but hyping up someone who was cruel to the people who cared about them seems like a strange thing to do.

[@mangosday]

@@AisforAtheist Frogger sounds like they just hate women. "bitch," "drama queen," and dismissiveness of the abuse the girlfriend may have suffered

[@christophermiller7743]

Ted Bundy had kind eyes and was very attractive and charming to women. Then he stuffed them like roadkill, and kept them around for 'date night'.

[@jahova7239]

@Frogger r u an incel

[@ladypotato8236]

It feels like his hiking adventure was more of a redemption trip and and adventure to find peace and himself.

[@dianadaisley7747]

Bye

[@dianadaisley7747]

Ct I

[@user-zk2iz9by7u]

☮️✌️ rip denim

[@elsbet1656]

Sad and truthful. 💗

[@whitedragoness23]

Maybe, or maybe some people just are tired of people and want to be alone

[@trubrit5036]

What a beautiful, complex and sad story. I hope that Vance found peace with himself, during his journey, and as his end came, he had found control over his demons, and rested in peace as death took him away.

[@hafsa1106]

I thought "mostly harmless" had a hint in the name that he caused harm or can cause harm.

[@LaptopNewbie]

What I found sad was that before he was identified, his past was mysterious but we knew him as "the kind stranger, leaving his past behind". Now we know his tragic past and the familiar monster he was running from, the truth overshadows it all. The public finding his secrets that he desperately tried to hide from the world- sure there is a legacy for him, but I wonder if he would have liked to be remembered as the kind, mysterious hiker.

[@user-lf4td9xr4v]

This story tells us that no one can hide from who he/she really is. However, no one really knows who a person really is, not even him/herself.

[@user-lf4td9xr4v]

@@randominternetuser3814 thanks! 😁😁

[@Sam-es2gf]

@@user-lf4td9xr4v the 99% of people that aren't considered attractive enough for strangers to bother to look for them can definitely hide, but i appreciate the sentiment

[@samalexis1382]

Agreed. Kind of like he wanted to create his own eulogy for the world and find his final inner peace.

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

sounds like vance was the monster

[@kgraham5820]

Pretty cool how hikers are looking out for one another, even across state lines. But imo, this type of long distance hiking should be done using the buddy system.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

No. It's not how we find ourselves.

[@sassybatchz]

Having a partner in it wouldn't provide the same kind of solitude and peace that you'd get alone. Not to mention, in this story it seems like he didn't really have anyone in his life that he could ask to take such a long journey with him.

[@zedone8253]

Should be done with cameras everywhere

[@Jade_1872]

I think all hiking should be done with someone, even short hikes can end up deadly in the wrong situation. And finding yourself won’t mean much if you go out alone, die and just waste away.

[@user-xi6by2we2i]

@@Jade_1872 For many people that would completely ruin the enjoyment. Not everybody wants to spend a long period of time with another person. Being as safe as possible is not always the priority.

[@kavemanthewoodbutcher]

The period calendar stock footage had me rolling!

[@joharrison3469]

Yep, no one checked that. Or it was a male with no idea.

[@lauriedavies6183]

When I researched the Gabby Petito & Brian Laundrie case, I really became enchanted by the hiking community. From "Angels" to every day hobbyists, there's some really great people on and around those trails. Much ❤ to the hikers that showed so much care for this struggling human being just trying to find his way.

[@Nevermore-Nevermore]

He may not have been the angelic man that people believed that he was, but he deserves to have his name back regardless. RIP Vance Rodriguez ❤️

[@ratel1619]

@@cy4330 the hell-

[@ruthymorales7208]

@@cy4330 whoa there!!!!

[@talindakelley189]

I totally agree. And you would think even if he was the way his family all described him, me as a mother, would STILL want to know that my baby is alright. I have a daughter and she and I are estranged because of the way she is, I still do what I can to find out if she’s doing alright.

[@abbadonblackwater8577]

💪💪💪

[@AR-ph7wf]

@@talindakelley189 i send you my love. I know how much that hurts

[@safarieten]

He probably didn't want to die, but didn't know how to live.........

[@KristinaMay2109]

Very sad😟🙁😒

[@prayfortheworld7960]

He probably felt regrets toward the people he is hurting in his life.He had no ones and felt that life is taking a tolls on him.Everyone around hated him for sure when no one cares to look for him.Feeling lonely and regrets he is making a decision to leave everything and running from his old self.Could be he is trying to be a better person during his hikes.Sad guy for sure.

[@rmd3138]

@@prayfortheworld7960 Nice one

[@ernestsnyder2918]

Nobody could have said this better

[@peggyesterhuizen4207]

You carry your troubles with by, ask any immigrant

[@handsomejack4125]

That last line brought back Unsolved Mysteries memories. "Join me. Perhaps you may be able to help solve a mystery." Great documentary, I'm addicted to your series!

[@samalexis1382]

@24:16 I know I'm not the only that noticed that was a whole period tracking stock video 😳 +I'm so glad he got to live his last few months doing what he wanted to out in nature. I hope he is resting peacefully.

[@christinapalafox]

I noticed as well. Husband did not.

[@Schneewittchen1310]

​@@christinapalafox😂😂😂

[@Schneewittchen1310]

​@@Wulfgeirsame here 😅. OMG the tampons lol

[@Steve_Farwalker]

This is the story of a man who wanted to just find a place to lay down and die in peace. It appears he had many social issues coupled with the obvious depression that ultimately drove him to just find a place and sleep himself to death. The fact that his corpse was found to be in a rictus state coupled with his low body weight and dishevelled appearance is simply someone who just wanted to go to permanent sleep. This was not a man of drama, this was not a man to place blame. Whatever pain pushed him to this end was simply this: He had enough of his failures in life and just simply wanted to die in peace.

[@philiptucker7590]

Yeah he definitely had some mental health issues going on. Even if his knees gave out a person could still drag themselves out of the woods using a hiking trail, most of them are well walked and pretty clear for hiking 🤔 Either he let himself starve or he got really sick or poisoned/bit by something and was severely disabled…..

[@Mira20153]

👍♥️

[@afrolintln7677]

@@GabeHelms7048 did you actually know him? Or was this said in the video? I am almost halfway in lol

[@karenmonahan7253]

This reminds me of the Japanese psychiatrist who booked a trip to northern Canada to see the Aurora Borealis and disappeared into the forest never to be found. She just went out for a stroll one day by herself and was never seen again. Sometimes I find it hard to differentiate my sadness for her loss and why she did it. We are a species who are incredibly cruel.

[@1dollarmike43]

Unbiased, analytical, and a hint of endurment from personal experiences. I can relate.

[@MohammadUmairAnsari]

Glad that Mostly Harmless now has a name. It was an incredible case. Kudos to everyone who worked hard to solve this.

[@emellia1]

It was his own friends who identified him online! He is no ordinary guy...he is a computer scientist who own tech company

[@magdalenamezydlo1271]

I do like that he was recognized and his real name and identity was reviled but Mostly Harmless nickname was not bad either lol

[@shohannie]

It sounds like he went on this hike as a form of cruelty for himself. He was pushing himself constantly

[@ilona6338]

When he abused his ex girlfriend and throw her out of her home it was okay, but then when he was alone he suddenly decided to punish himself for life? Cronic illness story sounds more like a true

[@thecityman1910]

I live alone and am a really private person who chooses to isolate myself even though I'm not depressed, I can absolutely imagine just getting up one day and heading out to parts unknown. I don't care much about material belongings so I'd be fine with just leaving all my belongings. My point is that I can absolutely understand this man and how he ended up out there. The only part of this story I can't relate to and wish I knew more about is how he died.

[@romystumpy1197]

I totally understand where you are coming from I enjoy my own company,I live alone and keep people at a distance.enough said

[@I.pray.to.George.Carlin]

I am a lot like you. Also my only question about mostly harmless is how he died. Like that's all I wanna know. End of story!

[@thecityman1910]

@@I.pray.to.George.Carlin EXACTLY!!! I have to wonder if he OD'ed but that isn't fair. He easily could have simply had a heart attack or aneurysm or other natural problems. Possibly even snake bite. We will never know since he was so far gone. But yea, I can relate to just walking away from job, life, etc and heading out. Glad others like you can get that too.

[@I.pray.to.George.Carlin]

@@thecityman1910 Maybe he did overdose, like u said he was way too far gone to know. And btw, yup I totally get you my friend 💯

[@thecityman1910]

@@I.pray.to.George.Carlin Can I just take a moment and say how nice it is to communicate with like minded people who act like adults in the comment section.? 90% of people here seem to attack each other, throw racial slurs, and act like children. Nice to meet someone who doesn't! It would have been easy for you to say all kinds of things once I admitted to being a fairly private person who doesn't care much about material things and wouldn't mind just heading out into the world without a plan. I'm actually not a hippy or an anticapitalist nor do I hate people, but you could have made those assumptions. Instead, you admitted to having similar characteristics and were a nice person. Its kinda sad how rare that is!

[@poodtang2104]

As someone with Bi-polar disorder of severe mood swings. I can relate to a person wanting to just say fuck it and leave.

[@hailboognish81]

Same.

[@kitsunerinkan]

Same. Borderline, here. It’s a lifelong struggle. I’ve always said I’m a “flight risk” of a person, and literally get antsy if I even live in the same area for a year or two. That’s not even touching my day to day life and personal relationships. 😞

[@scottricklaroque7428]

I didn't have any disorder but after I left the Navy with a knee problem I had lost contact with most of my friends and my Russian gf moved back to Russia I toyed with the idea of going off the grid as my passions were mountain biking and kayaking I was deciding which to do as I was saving money bartending. Being in a port town I was talking to a guy from an ocean going tug and told him of my idea and he suggested I try working on a ship, make a lot of money and travel the world, since I was trained in diesel and hydraulics it was no problem scoring a high paying do little job on a large ship. It still wasn't my calling though so I decided to go back to the military but instead the Army or Marines this time. Again fate stepped in and I met a guy as I was walking into a recruiter's office and he suggested I could make much more money in private overseas security. That did it for me, I worked 10 months or so a year took a couple months off and spent my off time touring Europe with all the money I had saved because there's little to spend it on in Iraq. lol But that solved my itch to ditch it all, at least until I made the mistake of coming back home to the US and bartended again for something to do until I left again and was shot in a robbery. I should have never come back.

[@oatlord]

We can all relate to that, bipolar or not.

[@allison9891]

Same

[@buckmontana245]

People walk away like this everyday. We just never hear about it. It's a part of society that is ignored.

[@thaisb229]

Yeah I think about it every day Especially due to the current situation So many businesses that people worked so hard for no longer open

[@seahagkeylover]

If they wanted to be noticed there is a way but being in a community of wanderers has been around since the beginning of time so tell me how they are being ignored maybe they need peace ever think about that

[@1hollig1]

Are they ignored or don’t they want to be left alone?

[@garrisonnichols7372]

What? Where do they go?

[@TimmiTification]

In Japan there are companies that will help you to disappear.

[@nickcolleton5684]

I think people in these comments need to understand that no matter how much you love someone with a mental illness, the collateral damage they expel reaches far and wide and burns very bright. It's possible the gap between him and his family was caused by years of managing his condition or suffering through his episodes. It's possible they tried to help to the point where they exhausted all options. It's possible HE initiated the no-contact conditions around his family. It's possible HE refused offered help. It's not always as simple as "crazy man. Don't care. Forget about him" Mental illness effects EVERYONE surrounding the afflicted. It's emotionally, mentally and physically draining for all parties involved.

[@dontcallmeimdead.9556]

THANK YOU! I was reading the comments and was baffled at the number of people excusing his behavior!

[@jayterra2060]

Well said!

[@AirConditioner402]

IKR??? People simply find it hard to comprehend that eventhough you have a mental illness, it doesn't excuse you being a bad person or doing bad things. I'm struggling with mental health issues myself, but I recognize that I can say hurtful things to people that I shouldn't have. Is it something I can always chalk up to my mental health issue? No! Other people aren't responsible for helping me get better. I'm an adult and so is Vance, and he is intelligent enough to recognize that he needed professional help.

[@christinehall6441]

How true. Its a living hell for people wilh a mentally ill uncooperative family member causing misery and anxiety.

[@shahara3053]

Thank you, this is exactly what I'm personally dealing with. My brothers mental illness was very difficult, to the point he would become violent and my whole life was on pause, many times. He has no left and doesn't pick up calls or responds to messages. I love him dearly. I hope I can see him again, healthier and happier.

[@kyleortiz2697]

This reminds me of the case in New Zealand with the plant that can basically put you to sleep with enough stings from walking through it, it won’t cause any external wounds from its needle like fibers then eventually your stomach starts turning inside out and you die peacefully

[@lollie880]

No I’m afraid I have to disagree with you! I heard too about that plant but as an experienced hiker he and all other hikers would have been aware of those plants!

[@kyleortiz2697]

@@lollie880 to be aware of the plant and being able to see it is two different things you’d need to be more then a advanced hiker to differentiate it from just another nettle plant

[@contentcop]

The hiking community is lowkey wholesome.

[@procastination_is_my_passi4182]

Started hiking as a university student in Tucson, and I was so unprepared for my first hike, especially since it gets up to 90-100 degrees there. But luckily though, all of the hikers I met along the way and to whom I explained my situation with automatically lent a helping hand. Most of them gave me advice, a lot of them shared resources; water, food ..etc. One lady even accompanied me towards the end because she didnt want me to go missing lmao. A very sweet and wholesome community indeed

[@ambroshustlezabey5826]

They all are like cool hippies.....

[@smutjunkies559]

I'm a bigger guy but I was doing a hike in Yosemite. Hard for me, easy for someone in good shape. But the support i got thru the whole thing was amazing. When I reached the top, many of the people who cheered me along the way came up to me to tell me how proud they were and to shake hands/ talk/ etc. Then I left for home and never saw them again. Should've kept in touch.

[@randysmith7189]

I didn't know what existed until I came across this video...interesting and good to know.

[@EukalyptusBonBon]

Much like the Pez Community

[@luc.w]

Oh my goodness this is one of the cases i really wanted to see solved, because it seemed like he met so many people but no one knew his name. I’m so glad there’s been this progress

[@misseselise3864]

Me too. This is one of the only cases that has kept me up at night.

[@oldboloney]

It has been solved....you can find the complete story on Wiki Missing.com in the missing from Georgia.....

[@karmica7591]

I’m thankful I clicked here, I knew his story but never heard about the finding of his identity. Great video as always.

[@gabbyabbott4965]

I don’t think Vance was exactly a “kind” or “bad” person, just a complicated one. He was still a human being who was dealing with his own demons and the consequences of his past actions and guilt in his own way. So I hope he found some form of peace out there before dying.

[@janetstromer9899]

@@frisk151 p

[@llisamichele]

My thoughts exactly !

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

@@llisamichele does you boyfriend give you daily savage beatings or something? 😳💀

[@LisaAnn777]

That's what I got out of this story. He seems like a man who is dealing with some guilt and wanted to to find some peace. Honestly he probably expected something like this to happen as bad as that sounds. I doubt he was some murderer on the run or something like some people are saying he doesn't seem like that, guess you never know though, it's not impossible. but he probably had many regrets in life. I hope he found peace too seemed like a nice guy. I find this story really sad for some reason.

[@Davidmaldonado9173]

I think it’s funny how the so called family and friends who knew him bad mouthed him after he was dead with no facts to back it up just slander the world is a cruel place So sad. I’m glad that his identity was found and there was a network of people who truly cared and worked so hard. May he Rest In Peace.

[@shortie.2380]

This story reminds me of “into the wild”. Maybe he was “suffering” and just wanted to find peace. May he RIP

[@triple_gem_shining]

Yea!! His post mordem photo kinda looks similar. Must be due to starvation

[@camiforsell683]

If there was nothing PHYSICALLY wrong with the man What about MENTALLY? Schizophrenia - Bipolar disorder Depression all affect people in varing degrees - They all cause an (un)conscious move to distance oneself from that which is perceived to be causing discomfort - Breaking away is one reaction and gives the one feeling this intensely a focus point spurring (re)action - He chose to leave the life that he had - We the viewers of this video and others that knew him May never know truly why he did walk away - The family may have an idea about the beginnings of this saga - The exact details went to the heavens with “Denim” ... Rest In Peace ...

[@maryw3052]

@@camiforsell683 Yes, i have schizophrenia and when i wasnt being treated, i would just wander off normally in desert areas and wouldnt even realize how long id been out.

[@thaisb229]

@@maryw3052 I'm so glad for you that you have medicine Wish you all the best im sorry you have to go through this Do you believe you were born with this or is it something you believe you developed; don't feel you need to answer im just curious

[@daniellekassus1912]

Reminded me too... cried a lot watching this and into the wild I wish I could do that... going out naturally in nature reconnecting to earth but unfortunately i am disabled and can’t walk... god I really hope he’s at peace

[@IrkenProperty]

The fact his nickname "Mostly Harmless" most likely came from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and then he passed away at 42 is... tragic irony. Bless this man.

[@kate-hy]

dealing with an abusive childhood is never easy and many avoid the professional counselling that could help. Life is complicated and Vance's escape into nature obviously had a calming affect on him. Guessing he had no idea how many his death would touch. Thanks to all those who kept up the search ... it would make a fascinating movie!

[@hannahswheelieawesome]

Many of the photos of him taken by his hiking buddies look really sad to me. His eyes had a lot of pain. If he had suffered from bipolar, he may have forgotten to eat and care for himself. The disorganised state of his tent may be a clue to that. Sad, but perhaps for him it was a peaceful end to a chaotic life.

[@arrestedeffort]

I distinctly recall hearing the term "Schizoaffective Disorder" used to describe his mental state in the video. From what I understand, it's like having bipolar (not sure if more similar to Type I or Type II, though I'd probably guess the former) with some tendencies of schizophrenia. I could be totally off-base there though, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[@marielleortiz-pyz3369]

@@arrestedeffort More like depression with tendencies of Schizophrenia

[@Bloody_RedQueen]

I've taken off to the woods numerous times during episodes. That is definitely a plausible possibility. Bipolar is a psychotic disorder, with psychosis occurring relative to episode severity and type.

[@haroharo8741]

thanks for saying that. it made me feel better actually. i hope youre right.

[@corrinehoward1999]

I think he purposefully didnt take care of himself. Thus the huge backpack to cause extreme stress on his body and he could have slowly starved himself. He tried the gunshot to the stomach and that didnt work. He may also have planned to die by the time he made it to key west but when that didnt work he headed back to continue his plan cause he would have run into too many people in key west that may have tried to help me.

[@ThatoneRae]

I hate that people have tried to pigeonhole him into a black and white description of him as a perfectly sad man or a cold heart less man. I just don’t think it’s that simple. Just like everyone. He was complicated and messy and human. I’m glad he’s found peace

[@juice_wink]

Agreed. Although obviously I haven't been in this exact situation, some internal part of me just understands. His actions/decisions where so miniscule and yet it was the exact opposite.

[@lissabelecz2527]

Well said

[@Al-kb2xl]

Its very presumptuous to assume he's "found peace". For all we know it may have been his intention to remain unidentified.

[@sakuyarules]

So you knew him personally? Or are you purely speculating on the statements made by people who actually knew him?

[@andymurray7240]

I think he had a lot on his mind and he just got fed-up with his life and said the hell with it and just took off, the way this world is today will make anyone get sick with life and just disappear, AS long as he wasn't hurting anyone then he had a right to live as he wanted to ,rip Vance Rodriguez

[@shirandawilliams]

They really said "look this dude could either be 35 or 60 idfk 🤷🏾‍♀️" he is the EPITOME of "when you can do both" 😂😂😂

[@muddaurth5825]

Someone needs to make this into a book or a movie. What a sad and compelling story with many great lessons to take away.

[@1234KeithB]

If they make it a movie Hollywood will change the narrative to black woman escaping white abuse and how she overcame and became an independent woman living in the woods who don’t need no man. And she’s gay now

[@kissedbysun2517]

I can only imagine the lawsuits over the rights.

[@simulationkoyo]

Florida is definitely not a safe place to hike in because you become target practice.

[@louisianavicky635]

Vance worked at the same company as my husband and I almost a decade ago . We where in different departments but bumped into each other every now and then. He was soft spoken and had kind but sad eyes. Not long afterward He moved to New York and we lost contact. I hope he found peace. Thank you for making your content and getting his story out there. It breaks my heart and I hope he knows that he touched many lives for the good. ❤️🙏🏻

[@doracampos2088]

Thanks for sharing! ♥️

[@jfhfjdhfhdjd6452]

Wow. You have an amazing story. Maybe you should write a book about it.

[@subblonde3101]

@@jfhfjdhfhdjd6452 not only are you not funny, but that makes no sense. Her comment was relavant and interesting. Go away.

[@j-love-0346]

@@subblonde3101 heyy where are u from

[@andrewward2010]

So was this guy definitely Vance? Did he have greying hair when u last saw him?

[@carolcarol9982]

It sounds like he wanted to walk off into oblivion and be totally forgotten.

[@PrimeEnigma]

To me it sounds like the complete oposite. Someone who wants to dissapear into oblivion, just does exactly that. While he left a huge trail of pictures taken by a lot of people and a fond or at least a nice memory for those who met him along his hikes. His trail could be traced back to his starting point in New York. The only 2 mysteries he left where his name and why he died. He knew people would probably find out who he was (if they would have looked in brooklin, since he had told people he came from that place.) The old Vance who lead a troubled life and the happy, mostly Harmless, other hikers and hiker angles met during the year of his hike. Leaving New York in april of 2017 until his last sighting in april of 2018. His name is discovered while the other one, where he has been during the three months before he was found, is still a mysterie. Emaciated while there was food found in his tent and a place just a few miles away from his tent where he would have been able to get food. He was found only a few miles away from the place he was last seen. While people first speculated who he was, they now wonder why he died, leaving no clue on paper of wanting to end it. He was determent to fullfil his hike and he probably did. He had no apartment to back to, no job, nothing worthy to him anymore, he seemed to have found peace during his hike. He left almost 4000 dollars enough I think for a cheap burial. Unknown to many but not forgotten, having a bright yellow tent and a huge red backpack he was indeed mostly harmfull but not unnoticed, that he would be forgotten. Because Vance Rodriquess was a totally different guy from another life from wich he disappeared from. Some people say he wanted to be forgotten, they speculate and say it was rude to try and find his name. But is just that, speculations, while the facts are that he did not go unnoticed for a lot of people who met him and have evidence of their meeting, one even hiked 100 miles with him. He did not leave them with promisses but with a memory of their meeting. And to the internet of being the famous hiker who passed away at the end of his one year goal at the very end of his trail.

[@carolcarol9982]

@@PrimeEnigma People would have been turning him in or warning others if he'd refused to "Be nice". So, pose for the picture, be polite, don't make waves and be on your way.

[@faeriegraver]

@@carolcarol9982 more than one person said he at first refused a picture or was hesitant to take one. It would maybe get easier and feel more normal after the first time? It's basically impossible to know for sure what was going on in his mind. Even turning down a photo doesn't necessarily mean anything, it could be for many reasons. That being said I do agree. If someone keeps on pushing to take a picture, you don't want to make a scene. It's easier to just have the picture taken, and especially after he'd had pictures taken already.

[@nickcorkery7663]

@@PrimeEnigma i feel like his journey and positive interactions on the way was his version of repentance. To make amends for his misdeads. And try to leave a positive effect on his way out.

[@lindaf4369]

@@PrimeEnigma Exactly..how sad..I think he wanted someone to care about him and look for him but it seems like his family didn't give a hoot and he knew it but was hoping otherwise..NOT meaning any disrespect to his family but my goodness if my son had up and vanished I'd be looking for him and I'm sorry to say but maybe his family was the cause of his issues nobody knows how he was raised maybe they expected too much who knows but NOT to report him as missing just bothers me I'm sorry..it's just strange and weird

[@cottagecraftsdiy]

He tried to get away from his life and who he was. At some point he realized he couldn't get away. He couldn't stay out there forever. It was go back or never go back. He laid there until it was over.

[@AlexWatson-ii7ol]

So 😔

[@AceFalken]

I had forgotten about this case. I grew up on the Golden Gate estates and had hiked that area through high school. My step dad was also involved in the case as a cop. It's sad. With his tragic past and all I'm glad he chose the trails but I was hoping he'd find a new resolve for his life and improve it when he returned to civilization. It's sad that we won't know if he did or not. I'm glad that he got to experience hiking and make an impact on other people instead of choosing something sinister. If you're struggling with mental health get some help. If you're constantly getting stressed I do suggest renting gear and going out camping. If you're struggling another hiker will help. The trails have always showed kindness in people for me.

[@DDbraster]

Based on the possibility of his father being abusive (also family not reaching out) it makes sense for the troubles he had in his life. Abusive situations either turn people into abusers (sometimes even worse) or they become better. To me it sounds like he was stuck and couldn't grow or change/be the person he wanted to be so he had to leave behind the people in his life to leave behind his past and find himself, find peace. Strangers felt safe with him and enjoyed his company, that was a huge shift change and helped him on his journey. I believe that he may have finally found peace. Not an ideal way to go for many, but if your life was a endless spiral into darkness and depression, this makes alot of sense. RIP

[@TheLeadingCat]

For the records, exactly 10 days after this video was uploaded, Collier County Sherriff's office made an official statement, confirming that Mostly Harmless was indeed Vance Rodriguez after Othram compared the man's DNA with that of family members. At least we can consider this case closed for good. Also the fact that, not only is he from New York, but also worked in the field of IT pretty much confirms everything that was previously speculated about him. I couldn't see anything about the cause of death, so I'll assume that'd never been confirmed, but I'll side with the knee giving out theory.

[@dylanlokatys1560]

Late as hell, but wouldn't such an intense hunger incentivize someone to crawl themselves to their food source? He HAD food. And even if he couldn't muster the strength to make it to his food, surely there would be some kind of sign of an attempt? I just cannot imagine someone laying still for weeks or months starving to death and not trying.

[@GamerLoggos]

@@dylanlokatys1560 From what I understand after a certain point of starvation the feeling of hunger fades, usually after only 2 days. So if you can make it past the initial hunger your body begins feeding on its own fat and then protein and you are no longer "hungry". At a certain point in the process of starvation if you were to eat you would trigger refeeding syndrome and die much faster than starvation would had finished you off.

[@ellamarsters8791]

The autopsy never mentioned anything about a knee injury or anything abnormal about his knees. It really seems like untreated mental illness was a huge factor here, unfortunately. Given that he was described as cachectic despite the fact that plenty of food was found in the tent with him and no evidence of any disease or illness was found, it looks like he was intentionally starving himself. Hard to imagine, but sometimes when people are struggling in that frame of mind, they do things that are difficult to understand.

[@sheeshee5083]

​@@GamerLoggos I'm really fascinated by your input. Now I want to starve myself for 2 days and see how bad it is. Rip mostly harmless❤

[@isaachofstetter508]

@@sheeshee5083 it’s true I fasted for five days not too long ago and after the second day you don’t feel hungry even when you think about food you just I may be later kind of feeling especially if you’re not moving

[@apimpnamedrespect7045]

respect to any man who can accept that he is the common denominator for the problems around him and simply remove himself. I did not appreciate how no one took accountable for their role in his early madness. I can’t stand a family that raises a madman and then blames the madman and then shuns the madman. I read somewhere that a person who blames others has a long way to go, a person who blames themself is halfway there, and a person who blames no one has just arrived. With that said, he hiked his way to heaven.

[@aestheticcat8976]

Not everyone goes missing and or is kidnapped, there's some people in society who just want to vanish from everything due to their own personal issues. Whatever the case may be, they truly don't want to be found.

[@thegroove2000]

Or just to escape the madness and lunacy of society.

[@armoncurtis7856]

Or Even escape the madness of himself

[@miketrujillo3677]

@@thegroove2000 jomker

[@heathertatum1268]

I need to escape myself... I’m thinking anytime now..

[@MsBELLE7]

But if they are dead....the family is usually still in pain from the missing person. It gives closure.

[@HannahSpring]

It is one thing that a person will do, silently plan their own demise, never saying anything to anyone, but appearing to be happy, joyful, but yet, things are still ticking in the back of their brain, still planning, just waiting for the right time

[@effaitch7629]

@@meganlangreck2488 It's the people who love _them,_ who feel it

[@lindaf4369]

@@effaitch7629 Yes that's true but I will never understand why his family didn't report him as missing and maybe he was checking to see if they would have along his stops but it appears that nobody cared other than the people he met along the way.. R.I.P Mostly Harmless/Vance

[@paigeyelton6608]

My step dad sadly did just this a year ago leaving behind my mom and a 4 yr old and 12 yr old sons at the time.

[@effaitch7629]

@@paigeyelton6608 That's sad, I'm sorry!

[@princessromanov]

This is what i was thinking too. Slowly die away

[@blackraven9929]

Whenever people walk out from everything it’s because they are looking for that inner peace. They are ready to leave everything and everyone behind, in other words they are ready to meet their creator. He finally found peace and went home.

[@rwdplz1]

Vance reminds me a LOT of one of my little brothers. I bet he completed his hike, and came to the realization he had accomplished what he had set out to do, and was depressed he now thought he had to go back to his old life, and just stayed in his tent depressed.

[@ravenwoes]

Man. I feel that pain. I’ve found myself wanting to just throw my phone away and disappear. I feel for him. Rest in piece, Vance.

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

did you miss the part about the ruthless beatings and abuse he dished out to his GF? before kicking her out of her own apartment?

[@oldshitbag7877]

@@jasonvoorhees5640 you're lovely. Have you ever made a mistake in your life and been forgiven? Felt nice no? Try to not be so hard on people.... We make mistakes, sometimes big ones, but our mistakes and fuck-ups do not define us.

[@sinban5582]

@@jasonvoorhees5640 wow we have the most pure person here who never made a mistake in his life. What a godly man. People change

[@jasonvoorhees5640]

@@sinban5582 Struck a nerve did I? lmao

[@laurenq4843]

@@jasonvoorhees5640 He never kicked her out of her own apartment. Her mom lied. According to her own social media posts from the time, he broke up with her and she continued living with him for months after the breakup. Then, she decided to move out on her own volition after several weeks without a reconciliation. Also, she got a job at his small workplace where he held a senior level position around the time of their breakup, and continued working there for years after they broke up. And she posted a bunch of posts mocking him and insulting his manhood the day before she moved out, getting all their mutual friends to join in making fun of him. And for months and months after that she would post about how she was upset he wouldn't talk to her and reconcile with her. So I really doubt she was afraid of him. It seems that she tried to continue to insert herself in his life long after he had moved on. There's zero evidence she was beaten apart from one very vague post she made on social media in 2010, and even her own mom told people that Vance didn't physically harm her, after he was identified.

[@bonelesschickenwings]

He intentionally left his life behind, turned over a new leaf and left a loving impression on everyone he met in his hiking life. Who he was before is something he has clearly repented for in every way possible and I think it is bittersweet and a bit unfair that we had to be so curious to dig it up. I'm glad to know his whole story though. I hope he can rest in peace and forgive himself for the times he acted in ways he clearly didn't want to be anymore.

[@junebuchholtz287]

Unless a switch flipped and he became angry

[@romystumpy1197]

​@@junebuchholtz287he's just a regular person ,with mental health issues like half of the worlds population😄

[@Lily_Samson]

No matter what he was before April 2017… In his final year of life, he was a kind and friendly guy to those he crossed paths with. If he did suffer with schizophrenia, that may have been what consumed him in the end. What wasn’t mentioned is, nobody in the hiker community ever said they saw his yellow tent @ Big Cypress for an extended period of time. As much as we would like to believe family/blood relations are our closest ties on this earth, it simply isn’t true for so many. As a twin to his sister, Vicki, there’s no mention of that special bond that twins share in their relationship. In fact, interviews with childhood acquaintances said they recalled his twin sister and older brother picking on Vance while riding the school bus. I’m glad the mystery was solved and he could be laid to rest in his birthplace of Louisiana. Kudos to the many who cared enough to play the sleuth and donate on behalf of someone they never knew simply to bring closure for those who may have loved him. 🌼Lily🌼

[@truneilson]

It's so distracting to me that the times you show the calendar its tracking periods with tampons next to it.

[@9cells]

HAHAH OMG FINALLY SOMEONE ELSE POINTED IT OUT

[@yeoinbird]

omfg yes i know right!! 🤣 i was so confused the first time i saw them

[@kadygirlforever]

Why are they unwrapped? 😂

[@lauramays4043]

I swear😂😂

[@mandivandenberg6677]

I went back to make sure I was seeing tampons! Unwrapped tampons. Whyyy?

[@rascalme9754]

Had money and a road 5 miles away, probably just let himself starve to death because he completed his journey and ran out of road and purpose like the life he felt the need to walk away from.

[@chickpstranded6714]

Maybe his knees troubles prevented him from reaching the road. It’s So sad that even your own family doesn’t want to know what happened to you.

[@thebeasters]

Many of us are ready to dip out

[@buddyposer5658]

@@thebeasters Truer words were never spoken. Guy only weighed 83 pounds obviously wasn't taking care of himself....Dipped out

[@subblonde3101]

@@lordmysticlaw1991 i wouldnt consider starving to death, alone, peaceful.

[@hizpanicGam3r]

@@lordmysticlaw1991 the dehydration would get him first, but dying alone, surrounded by nature feels like a good peaceful way to go in my opinion

[@dk2428]

"His family was very much alive but no one reported him missing."

[@fbiagent3998]

At first I thought "mostly harmless" was going to be the main perpetrator. But instead when he was the one found dead, just wow.

[@AhlTV]

Maybe he named himself as "Mostly Harmless" cos that's what he wanted to be, that's what he aimed for--to be harmless.. he was aware that he became harmful before, his story really made me so sad :-( he was able to make that dream of his came true. He was not able to harm anyone during his last year, instead, he had shown kindness and warmth to people he met during his hiking. Rest in Peace Vance Rodriguez, we know now that you really regretted doing those nasty things in your past ♥♥♥

[@heathermcdermott2171]

🤦‍♀️ ugh

[@robertsnell9404]

@@heathermcdermott2171 lol

[@useyourillusion6996]

Sounds like a pillar of the community

[@MT21126]

😢

[@deconyus3412]

Once you realize who he was, an imperfect person who did some bad things and had so much personal baggage, its at least comforting that in leaving his life to do this thing he seemed to accept who he was and was remembered by all those on his journey as someone kind and friendly. I don't know how intentional his death was, but I hope he found peace with himself. He brought a lot of people together in his death, and I think that's something positive for the world as a whole.

[@amyesimmons6016]

if i lived close to there i would definitely be a hike angel. To help someone wwho is doing a long run.just to be there gifting time and meals etc or anything they need would be so wholesome ❤

[@ayumimitsuhiko6607]

It's amazing what people together can do.... it's really nice

[@deecee90.]

Glad he got his name back. Sad circumstances surrounding his life and death. RIP Vance.

[@stephaniehunter3251]

That poor guy

[@cecerae4757]

He was a abuser!

[@ernestsnyder2918]

I've been feeling really sad and down lately I don't know why I'm so drawn to this video

[@carynmartin6053]

Cece, how do you know that?

[@NobodyLikesMillhouse99]

I followed the story since they first found him and I felt such intense sadness from the beginning and hearing his life let me in tears. I’m mentally ill myself and I can’t count the times I wanted to walk away from everything I’ve done bad in my life and just fade away in the wilderness. I always felt so connected to him. The comfort I can feel is the love strangers has for him over the people who knew him. Hurts me too my core.

[@neraphruneblade7903]

Hey person. As a fellow person, you mean something to me because we share something - we're both people. If you ever need to talk with someone, reach out to me. I'm a stay-at-home dad with too much time on my hands, and I've been a dad for so long that everyone is one of my kids. You are worth something. Maybe not to everyone, but you're worth something to me.

[@O-scar]

@@neraphruneblade7903 That was really kind of you, thank you.

[@Scorpio200]

Amen me to. I kno the feeling .

[@justalittleturtle5600]

You know, I’m really glad you shared this about yourself. I see too many people here immediately judging MH for his past and the things his family said about him. But like you’ve shown, we have no idea what these people are feeling when they do something that looks bad on the surface. We also have no idea how much said about MH is truth, exaggeration, or straight up lies (as much as people would like to believe his family has no reason to lie, that’s simply not true). Thank you for your courage to share this snippet about your struggles with mental health, and I wish you the best of luck and strength to get through it. It’ll probably be a life long struggle, and your life is going to be more unfair than others because of it at times, but I pray you don’t give up hope. Keep fighting honey, you’re always stronger than you think, and never to late to finish something you thought you’d failed at.

[@NobodyLikesMillhouse99]

@@justalittleturtle5600 thank you so much! It means so much that you understand and thanked me. I get scared about telling people I’m mentally ill because I have been judged negatively due to misinformation and ignorance to my illness.

[@ioannakara8405]

Vance's Rodriguez mom and dad was only the strangers. Thanks to those who felt the responsibility to help this lonely man. Thanks to God that humans among crowds still exist 😪

[@RichsLife]

Holy shit I thru- hiked in 2017 and remember this guy!

[@TheRealJaded]

Yea sure you do 🙄

[@hemanthbt]

This story has left me with a sad feeling... Mostly harmless would have wanted to remain anonymous in his death.. and here we are discussing his dark side.

[@garrisonnichols7372]

There is no dark side. He was just waiting for the bus that didn't come.

[@mishkap5219]

@Diana Tuova well he is Not here to defend himself is he.

[@theWinterWalker]

@Diana Tuova when you learn that you can't separate a person's behavior from their biology, neurology, prenatal conditions, childhood environment and society you would be humbled real quick. There's ALWAYS two sides to every story also. Only one person can judge and you don't look like God to me....

[@lljw7151]

@@theWinterWalker he was an abuser nobody cares abt his story

[@lljw7151]

@@mishkap5219 lol rip bozo🤣🤣🤣

[@blondegiraffe2023]

That's deep when you think it's probably not an uncommon experience to go through your whole life to find that your family and acquaintances care less about your death than strangers.

[@21roy_]

Because of the several mentions of his backpack I truly thought this dude was hicking with a dead body behind his back lol

[@Zealot__]

Same lol

[@juniorr2646]

It's really sad what mental illness can do to people. There is no way of controlling mental illness It's impossible there us no switch off. And you just gotta wait it slows down and it's terrifying

[@HakunaMatata-uj7oc]

Wow, this was a hard one to watch. I am happy he got his name back, but sad that this is how he met his end. He as not perfect but we have to check in on our love ones, especially right now. RIP

[@jayelee8041]

he never lost his name, he choose not to give it to people, as most of the other hikers gave themselves monikers too.

[@juice_wink]

A part of me deeply relates/connects with this man. I sense he's not a bad man, but human.

[@starlight-jr3ge]

@Pat The Patriot you don’t know his side of the story,we never will that he’s deceased,I’m not taking her and her mothers side before knowing more.

[@masunrise7471]

@@starlight-jr3ge Well beings he is dead he can't confirm he beat her either so now this woman who experienced so much is being "maybe" denied her truth because he took his life? It kind of works both ways. Sounds like the proof was there on her facebook before all this went down from YEARS ago. People have such a hard time with people not being 100% good or 100% bad. Some people go through sht and treat others badly. Then they recover and turn over a new leaf. Some people are amazingly good people to everyone their whole life, or so it seems until you find out about some secret they had. Humans are a big grey area.

[@StrawhatDawn]

I Have an ex who to this DAY swears I had put my hands on her. At a point, she messaged me saying she was suffering from her past mental issues and she couldn’t distinguish reality from her dreams lol She was also someone who had slept with 30 man before the age of 22. There are all types of looneys in this world. People are are not just only grey , some live in complete darkness.

[@StrawhatDawn]

I have never put my hands on a woman in my life. She was also the same person who slept with countless men and believed she was rapped but once she started having delusional rants about me hurting her lol I experienced an entire world-a world where people really do lie. People will even lie to themselves

[@questthecatalyst]

Truely feel the same.

[@MoonTatii]

The fact the hikers loved and cared for him more then his own family, friends and acquaintances in his home town. An old colleague identified him. After a long time of searching. And im sure everyone that did know him saw his photo and why they needed to know his identity and didn't care at all.

[@KevinoftheCosmos]

May we all live in a way in which we will be missed.

[@MotherOfWolves1313]

This story made me so sad. The Pinhoti runs right in front of my house and I see hikers all the time. I never think to check on them though. Maybe I should start doing that. (Edit 2 months later... I have started speaking with and checking on all the hikers and offering them drinks and whatnot. They all seem appreciative, but so far no one has needed anything. ❤️)

[@beachbumseaglass]

That's a kind thought.

[@MadeOfCoolness]

Becareful

[@MotherOfWolves1313]

@@MadeOfCoolness Thank you for showing concern for my safety. ❤️ I have 2 big dogs that are very protective.

[@iamtyaalba]

Bless your kind heart 💜

[@jean-lucalexander4719]

Sometimes conversation is all ya need. I've been on long hikes and not see people for days. It's almost scary coming across another person for the first time in days. All other animals are pretty quick reads, you kinda know where their head is. Once you realize everything is on the up though you tend to be relieved to have someone else to talk to.

[@zactrautman6646]

i hiked with this dude on the maryland section of the AT. this is so strange to me

[@melissamariepearce7608]

Maryland representing here!

[@JagiFrisbee]

What kind of conversations did y'all have? What did you think/make of him overall?

[@DuskWz]

Woah that's crazy dude

[@zactrautman6646]

@@JagiFrisbee he was a little shy .. he wouldn't camp near the rest of us at the shelter. He did make a point to come sit at the fire with our group and was notably tidy. He kept a very large zip lock bag of all his trash to take to the next spot. He did mention about living in NYC and told me his business was being watched over which I guess now is not true. He was quite jubilant after breaking the ice with him. He introduced himself to me as denim at that time and told the jean story. He said he originally wanted to get away and stayed in harriman state park for 2 weeks then went home to pack and hit the AT from there.you could definitely tell he wanted his own space after some time. I didnt bug him over many questions but he must have changed tents at one point. He did not have the yellow tent they found him in as far as im aware.

[@zactrautman6646]

@@DuskWz a little surreal man

[@sheeshee5083]

Although guy was an abusive man but I can't help feel incredibly sad for him. RIP

[@rjprivate]

Whoever tf makes these videos, you're a genius. Top quality, better than 99% of big tv productions. They can learn from you

[@jackmarchese4771]

So true.

[@foulballguy8943]

Wow what a story. You guys continue to impress me with the quality of your work.

[@frankandreibontilao8833]

Man, imagine every night falls when he's all alone inside that tent, crying and regretting every mistakes he did to his love ones, until that last night of his life, dying while regretting is extra pain dude...

[@sleepybunny2]

Why did you imagine this sad ending? He may have found peace during his hiking trip.

[@NOAHSMOMMY]

Maybe because that's how some people would have felt before dying a slow death, y'all.

[@DownTheHoleConspiracy]

Yup a slow death will make you think every moment of life!

[@marwinout]

loved ones* aral aral din

[@Gleyi07]

I completely disagree with you. His interactions with other hikers are proof that the wilderness gave him the peace he was searching for

[@misseselise3864]

it blows my mind that people go unidentified for so long. like, how can someone’s face be publicized for so long and NOBODY recognizes it?

[@veenunyabiz3409]

Right?? I just watched Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix and the Oslo woman mystery from 26 years ago is baffling, no one seems to know who "Jennifer Fergate (Fairgate)" is after all this time?? 🤔

[@amywebb4586]

Me too. It sounds like he had some issues and had burned some bridges with family. But that fact that no one seemed to care about him in his actual life enough to report him missing is just awful! I'm trying to not judge, I'm sure there are major reasons, so whatever. I'm just glad that there are people out there who gave him back his identity and some humanity.

[@calamaria9221]

I don't think it helped that he, at least in Vance's case, wasn't reported missing (as I'm sure people checked missing person reports). Generally though, the people that would know these missing people either didn't care, dead, or just didn't know that people were looking for them or information about them.

[@WickedScott]

I don't know about anyone else, but hearing you quote Douglas Adams made my week.

[@1rage17]

How could this dude not pay his rent for a whole entire year and THEN he gets checked up on? Damn.

[@incredibleedibledez]

I was 32 years old when I became pregnant with my 3rd child, I'd been an addict since I was 14. I entered recovery& have become an entirely new person. Sometimes you have to throw everything you are away to become who you're meant to be...this seemed like a man's attempt to find out who he truly was & redeem himself...

[@michaelpriest6242]

I am so very glad that you are sober and now doing good. You are becoming who God made you to be. Keep going! May He bless you with "every good and perfect gift." James 1:17

[@timcollins9110]

One can fight for what's good,whomever you are,or stand for what's right,whichever!I'm sure you're aware of what I mean.

[@SnivillusLupin]

Congratulations on getting clean. Both you and your kids are better for it. My parents had drug issues, and several other family members. I hope you find the strength and courage to stay clean. You've definitely redeemed yourself in the eyes of those who truly matter, and I really hope Mostly Harmless was able to redeem himself in the eyes of the Gods on that trail, or at least was able to start that process. Blessed be.

[@swissmochaj]

He had enough. People want to get lost when they have had so many failed relationships, especially when they are the root of the problems. They want to find themselves, heal themselves, soul search. But It's so odd his parents and friends don't elaborate more. Intriguing story for sure. RIP Vance. I hope you got the chance to say sorry to the people you had wronged.

[@levilewis146]

He was telling the truth, he was mostly harmless. But he actually sounds like a nice guy deep down

[@alucardtepes4420]

HOW IN THE HECK can you leave an apartment unpaid for a whole year?!?! I GUARANTEE YOU IF I failed to pay my rent I would be in trouble within a day

[@codybarry8204]

That part is a puzzle to this story for sure. In NYC? Oh there's a part left out and it has to do with his job.

[@DigitalNoun]

No it’s really hard to evict someone, it basically becomes “your property” you have the get warrants and get police involved

[@skyeguy7914]

Something I think is worth saying about this, is that it’s almost tragic what happened to this guy. Hearing his past, and how he didn’t seem to be on good terms with people, one wouldn’t be surprised that he recognized the monster in himself. In a way, perhaps his journey was his recognition that he simply didn’t fit in. That he simply didn’t belong. And in a sense of irony, human intrigue, and human compassion is what brought his story it’s closure. The world only cared to see his troubles once he was gone and it was already too late. I feel strangely empathetic despite how awful he seemed to be to others. Mental illness is a terribly difficult thing to manage, and takes a lot of care from others as much as it does from the self.

[@Mxracer6y]

Nope. he was actually just a piece of shit who ultimately got what he deserved. You dont go around in life treating everyone like shit and expect people to put up with it indefinitely. You get what you give.

[@Zantjez]

seeing his pictures as the hiker and the younger ones, you clearly see he was not happy before, he looks much more happy being a hiker, and maybe that made him more kind. he kinda reminds me of myself, im not a people person, and people who know me often tell me that i look much more relaxed, much more happy when im outside, not dealing with to many people. living in this world with how it is now just simply isn't for everyone. i hope he did find the peace he was looking for.

[@Zantjez]

@@TextBookPuncher1 it is not really about hippy culture. it is just the freedom, the space, not rushing or being forced to waste your time on doing useless work. my wish is to be rich, and i work hard for that, i don't want all that money so i can buy expensive stuff, i want all that money so i can actually be free, live life as how i want it and when i want it. you waste the best time of your life making other ppl rich, and when you are finaly retired you can't do shit because you are old.

[@georgeshaffer2564]

@@TextBookPuncher1 O

[@s.e.a.b.]

its so funny that the stock footage of calendars is someone doing period tracking with tampons on the table lmao

[@stephencech3696]

It sounds almost like definite Bipolar disorder. My father had it and from what my mom has said all matches up. 'He was the most lovely man you could ever meet, but he had angry episodes that completely destroyed me.'

[@ashleykennedy1838]

"There was a reason no one reported him missing." How sad

[@ernestsnyder2918]

Unfortunately a lot of people push away the ones they love.. I can relate to that. It's not taking noticed he was missing it was either they didn't care or they were relieved but yeah I would hope at least one person would be looking for me then again if you don't talk to anybody how do you know you're missing?

[@aladarhorse]

@@ernestsnyder2918 you know that's a good one I live alone and I hardly ever see anybody I have no family or no friends I have had for over 30 years how would anybody know if I were missing that's a really good question one that I'm afraid I can't answer

[@allison9891]

it really broke my heart when i heard that....

[@jenniferholden9397]

@@ernestsnyder2918 He knew where he was, so he wasn’t lost to him, he knew his name.

[@no_peace]

😢

[@shawnalaub3262]

I’ve been following this case for the last year and although I’m glad they finally solved it, I still have so many questions. RIP Mostly Harmless 💚

[@prittyflutterbystar]

Same! I still have so many questions.

[@joeakaprolifik7735]

Shawna lab same!!im glad he got his name back but I have a million question!!rip mostly harmless,you seemed like a great guy 🙏💖🇬🇧

[@effaitch7629]

@@joeakaprolifik7735 Did you watch/listen to the end of vid??

[@joeakaprolifik7735]

@@effaitch7629 yeah why mate?💖,he did seem like a decent guy by 99pc of people who met him lol,I still have questions cus I’m naturally nosy .🇬🇧💖also I lived with someone with paranoid schizophrenia (I know symptoms are different in some ways)and it doesn’t make them bad all round.obviously I feel so bad for what she and her daughter went through but also I understand that it wasn’t his fault if he was ill at the time,I’m glad she is safe and so is her daughter and I’m glad mostly harmless got his name back,maybe he went away like he did so he couldn’t hurt his loved ones anymore??!!

[@lindaf4369]

@@joeakaprolifik7735 thank you I agree..I also think he wanted his family to care but it appears that they didn't..who doesn't file a missing persons report on their child when he just vanishes leaving his wallet ID passport everything behind..so very strange