Altered States: Unraveling The Enigma Of Steven Kubacki

[@TheMissingEnigma]

For anyone interested, there is currently additional content up on Patreon and tonight I will be releasing an exclusive interview with Steven Kubacki on there as well. www.patreon.com/themissingenigma

[@glamdolly30]

I'm a huge fan of 'The Missing Enigma' YT channel and its quality videos, but Steven Kubacki's story leaves me cold. Are people really willing to part with Patreon dollars, to learn more about a hoax disappearance of almost half a century ago? Your wise conclusions from @ 41:05 are spot on. It's no mystery why Kubacki declined to face the scrutiny of journalists - or refused to explore his own, 14 month 'mystery disappearance', following his one-man skiing expedition. He knew that exercise had been a cold, premeditated, entirely self-perpetuated FRAUD. How did he survive out in the elements alone for well over a year? The human body has basic needs - among them food, water and shelter. He clearly relied on other humans to provide those for him, one way or another. Maybe he joined a religious cult, or some other organisation that provides bed and board in return for members' mindless loyalty? Yet he subsequently claimed, for all that time, he had no clue who he was, and had totally forgotten the family and friends who cared so much about him that they spent over a year and thousands of dollars trying to find him. You bet he faked the whole thing! When he decided he was bored of his own disappearance - likely because he'd inevitably dropped out of media coverage, and no longer saw his own smug face in newspaper reports and on TV news bulletins - what did Kubacki do? He hitched a ride right to the comfort of his loving Auntie's skirts - with a cliched "Who am I?" story, of waking-up in a field, 'Sleeping Beauty' style. Oh dear. No prizes for originality, Steven! No doubt enjoying a hot, home-cooked meal and lapping up her warm family welcome, Kubacki let his Auntie call his Mom and Dad as priority, and tell them he was alive. After what he had put them through, the devoted, loving parents who suffered his loss (and believed him dead) for over a year, the very least he owed them was to pick up the phone and speak to them in person. Yet he didn't even have the decency to call his parents himself! What a lousy son. Frankly, who cares about this loser? It's not even like he pulled off his pitiful, childish hoax! Thanks to the man who gave him a ride and provided a compelling, and plainly true account of his devious, self-serving lies, Kubacki was busted. And now, aged 68, he's written a book - correction, he's CO-written a book, telling the true story. He couldn't even do that alone and finally tell the truth under his own steam! He's pathetic. How exciting can this book be? Anyone with even half Kubacki's supposed brilliant intellect already knows the gist of the story. Does he have a gripping back story of extreme family abuse to share, to justify his selfish cruelty to the parents who loved, raised and supported him for 23 years? NOPE! 🙄🙄🙄 The decidedly non-tantalising book promotion claims his mother didn't hold him as a newborn, for the first SIX WEEKS of his life, due to her pneumonia. What a wicked woman! Did no one else hold him during that time?! And presumably he only knows this from the accounts of his family - that's one life experience he couldn't possibly remember! He also claims he was 'at odds' with his working class parents. Yet under their care, he received a scholarship to a prestigious private school, and enjoyed a high-quality education. Clearly he wasn't so 'at odds' with his Ma and Pa that they didn't give him sufficient nurturing, education, good values and self-belief, to win that coveted scholarship. They sound pretty fantastic to me! Quite what his affair with an older, 'beautiful' German professor has to do with his later, staged/fake disappearance, we can only ponder. I think he's just boasting! I wouldn't read this book if I was paid to. I only regret devoting 43 minutes of my precious life to a video about a failed hoax, by a man whose high IQ has not resulted in any high achievement. Today Steven Kubacki runs some kind of online dating website. 🤣🤣🤣 Big Woop! His 'seventies vanishing act was clearly the highlight of an otherwise profoundly hum-drum, and unremarkable life. In closing I have to ask - did he always have that terrible squint, or is it the result of telling so many outrageous, utterly pointless lies?! I hope 'The Missing Enigma' will return to form soon. Alas this story was a rare and disappointing fail.

[@BX138]

He started reading from an email, and never says when he stopped. I got all the way to the end of the video, and I was like, "Dang, this is a long email!"

[@journeysalkebulan]

What was Ellen's cause of death?

[@BuddyLee23]

Nice. Maybe you could do a subsequent follow-up video (however brief) after you digest his book and interview. It would be interesting to see interpretations of that new info.

[@susiefairfield7218]

I just gotta say ... The People of West Michigan were really kind and cool with this Cat , despite all he put them through. Blessed Holland ❤ Michigan

[@SmokeTheHolyChalice]

A true journalist and gentleman will give credit where credit is due. I wasn’t surprised to find you did exactly that. That was very well said and quite appropriate. As for the piece, exceptional as always.

[@felixcat9318]

Very Well Said!

[@sirlawrence2284]

I respect you for avoiding useless drama and mystification.

[@anarchy_79]

"A man leaves. Then he comes back. This is the gripping story of a man... Who left. And then... returned."

[@Hard_Car_Life]

🤣😄🤣😄🤣😄🤣👍👍👍👍

[@doncleveland1245]

Yup. POOF, then POOF again. Not left and returned.

[@easygoer1234]

Well anarchy that's hilarious. Best laugh I had all day.😂😂😂😂

[@anarchy_79]

@@doncleveland1245 People disappearing, but then reappearing, who has heard of such a thing?!

[@Grindeldore]

"The departures and arrivals of a man."

[@josephvanwie6706]

You're right. As soon as I heard that he didn't want to immediately contact his parents, I knew he had planned it. And the part about his mother not holding him for six weeks after birth, he was blaming her for not being able to fit in normal society. As if she abandoned him, instead of protecting him from her illness. Most brilliant people cannot stand the constraints of a normal life and lash out at society in various ways. This is definitely not amnesia or aliens, it's a highly disturbed personality!

[@MikeStruss]

Plus he's a writer. Like l Ron Hubbard,was a sci Fi writer and created church of scientology,and ppl just gave their money and property to a religion invented by a homosexual drug addicted fantasy writer

[@edward9643]

I'm not so sure that he "blamed" his mother for anything, so much as offering an explanation

[@janeE011]

This guy planned this. He was having whatever issues, couldn't deal with them, faked his drowning/ accident and when it ran it's course and he ran out of money he went to his aunt. Why didn't he end up in say, Mexico? Florida? Maine or California? It all just seems so planned.

[@CosmoQueen2900]

Well not holding a baby for that long does effect how they connect with people later on. That's a crucial time for a newborn.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@edward9643 Exactly. Personally, I often wonder if having spent the first month of my life in an incubator because I was born prematurely (or the premature birth itself) might have been a contributing factor in my own ASD and attachment problems. But there's no blame involved; my mother certainly couldn't help the fact that she's a very small woman and that her first child decided to come and see the world before term! I think that people often look for someone to blame for events and circumstances where things just happen by chance, because blaming makes them feel like they have more control, or like there are solid explanations for everything in life. But really, often things just happen, and there are no "bad guys" to take out frustrations on.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

it's very thoughtful of you to dedicate this video to Ellen, and link to her work.

[@titolino73]

In this world of selfish people and nonsense tik tokers indeed it is !🌹

[@glamdolly30]

Yes, this KZbinr is a class act. He began this video in exactly the right way, paying tribute and giving due credit to Ellen, who researched the story before him. I only wish the subject matter had been more deserving of both of their time and attention, but that's a different subject!

[@mariatorres9789]

Well, it's plagiarism, when people don't.

[@williamelliott]

​@@mariatorres9789Joe Biden don't mind plagiarism

[@thunderchief7]

@@williamelliott And you don't mind being a jerk for injecting politics into this.

[@aarondavis8943]

My year 12 psychology textbook, _Introduction to Psychology,_ used this story as a case study for amnesia episodes. It accepted Steve's story completely uncritically, as though there was no contention at all and it was a proven example of long-lasting amnesia. When I reconnected with the case decades later I couldn't believe that a school textbook would be that deceptive. Or that credulous.

[@m00nrac00n]

Sadly psychology is full of quacks, theories that aged like milk and class ideology. I mean most of it 'works out' or it would not be accepted in the scientific community, but some evidence is certainly shaky.

[@mikesanders8621]

That's psychology for you.

[@mikec5916]

Class act giving Ellen, the woman whom originally researched this topic, that respect. It’s refreshing to see in a time when we don’t see that enough. Another great piece as well. Thank you.

[@vspec17]

Don't respect women. Respect individuals.

[@sneedler5993]

@@vspec17 don't respect anyone

[@insertnamehere917]

@@vspec17as another comment said, no one was making this a gender thing except you

[@glamdolly30]

@@vspec17 What a dumb, pointless comment. She was an individual - who also happened to be a WOMAN. The statement is factually correct. And a very impressive woman she was too, who left an enduring legacy with her journalism and her many loving relationships with people whose lives she enhanced. It's not a crime to be a woman - Yet - though gender-cult is working hard to make it so!

[@thejhonnie]

​@@vspec17you're missing the plot

[@NadiaHartley-ci6hu]

I love that you gave honour to this page, for Ellen.

[@hillbillyscholar8126]

Still the BEST missing person mystery channel on this platform...and any other that comes to mind. Thorough, well narrated and visualized. Thank you for another feature!

[@Thehomelessathlete]

do not go gently into that good night, rage rage against the dying of the light

[@kevinbarker1233]

Agreed, best one on here

[@mattelliott8446]

No unnecessary sensationalism is what makes it great

[@johndonahue3509]

Yes...he doesn't lead the viewer and.take them down a preconceived ending by omitting key.details.like.some ppl do

[@LABoyko]

@hillbillyscholar8126. The "BEST?" Not so sure. This case is certainly a curiosity, the producer covered it well, did it justice and came to the correct conclusion. The best in the business would have sized this matter up as an obvious hoax and not wasted his time.

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

Thanks 👍😘🇸🇪 Great of you mentioning Ellen.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

I agree with your assertions. He could've cleared all this up a long time ago. At this point, I'm not interested in stroking his ego by spending any money on his "book."

[@steamedhamlet]

It's probably gonna be some cynical quantum wank fest

[@iole96792]

Agreed. I believe he faked the whole thing and that he caused his family undue grief and stress, emotionally as well as monetarily. I see a monumental narcissist that thought he knew better than everyone else.

[@Mr.MFuckingYTchangedmyname]

Yes, that boat sailed long ago, and he missed it.

[@sapiophile545]

I don't think I want to watch it, after that revelation.

[@Lenn869]

he also seems to be part of the "i heckin love science" crowd. He can fck off.

[@bella3775]

Happened to a friend of mine. Went hiking and disappeared. The search was massive and turned out nothing. In a few months he magically reappeared, claimed he had no memory of where he was. The theories were from alien to a fugue state. Turned out - he eloped with his boyfriend as his family and the community would never approve. They broke up and my friend had nowhere to go. His boyfriend showed up one day and made huge scene, so my friend had no choice but to come clean. He was sent to live across the states by his family, for theirs and his own good as the LE and community were really pissed at him for the search.

[@70wolfnipplechips93]

Keeping falsehoods is never easy. It's really a shame that he didn't feel like he could be his true self around the people who claimed to love him. So many people have suffered from hiding things because of the pressure to conform to the expectations of society. Imagine the world if we all just loved each other and ourselves.

[@skipskiperton4992]

drama-o-rama

[@mirandagoldstine8548]

Agreed@@70wolfnipplechips93

[@dumbbuckets2668]

Damn, I guess Kubacki is gay

[@poindextertunes]

What entitlement. They were pxssed at him for wanting to be himself, when in fact, if they had just accepted him as a person to begin with the search never would have happened. I’m guessing they were all members of a certain religious group who are supposed to be “christ like” 😒

[@67marlins]

I appreciate your tribute to Ellen. I'm sure she would be happy that your commentary was so honest and classy.

[@tattooedbikerunexplained]

Agreed, it was a classy move to e sure... youtube needs more moves like that.

[@πατριχορ]

She will be

[@totalrobot]

I believe Kubacki was the architect of his own "disappearance".

[@danfurtado9158]

Your paranoid af don't want to believe in abduction

[@gerry5134]

Just like HG Wells character in one of his books 'The history of Mr Polly'

[@merricat3025]

Me too. If not, that the fugue state, which I would give very slim possibility

[@resmarted]

It's so obvious

[@gonzostrangelove6107]

@@resmarted Funny how the obvious, simple explanation is so often correct.

[@siquinnell6068]

Hi great episode, I spent years investigating missing persons and one thing that many people do when they want to deliberately go missing is place what we used to call BEACONS, like a car parked in a strange place or in an unusual manner or in this case his pack ,and skiing gear , it makes authorities focus on a specific location and fixes their mind on search and rescue, instead of looking farther afield

[@JTA1961]

First common sense comment... like placing bodies...for a "reason "

[@siquinnell6068]

@@JTA1961 it’s like a magic trick or sleight of hand,” look here ,don’t look there , and it works, while we can only guess in this situation I’ll bet police weren’t checking bus and train stations, all the paper clippings seemed to indicate that they believed he’d drowned .

[@SallyMars]

It’s called a red herring.

[@betterdaysareatoenailaway]

beacons...so true

[@luke125]

Notice that you never hear about amnesia cases anymore. I don’t believe the amnesia story. I think that Kubacki was a very devious individual who engineered his own disappearance and eventually got bored and came home. Mystery solved.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Um there was one we solved on Reddit very quickly. This lady woke up on an island not knowing who she was so we helped figure it out. It’s probably because it happens super quickly these days. I mean we were strangers who spoke a different language and we found out who she was a matter of hours.

[@janeE011]

@@larsonfamilyhouseYour point being what??

[@emexdizzy]

@luke125 it's some of it is that we never heard much about these amnesia cases in the first place, at least genuine ones. Dissociative fugue states are usually much shorter than this, only a couple of hours or a few dozen at most, often triggered by trauma, either intense emotion or a blow to the head, or by a mind-altering substance, whether taken deliberately or ingested on accident. For it to be months and then it never happens again is suspicious, even if it is possible that some traumatic experience with near-death from falling through the ice hypothermia could have triggered a fugue state. It is very odd, though, that he happened to just come to not that far from a relative's home. More believable cases of dissociative fugue leading to wandering tend to be much shorter incidents. There was a redditor recently who described a childhood memory of suddenly coming to several hours after catching tadpoles hours and hundreds of yards from where they were when they dissociated. Myself and several other replies pointed out that many amphibians can have psychotropic properties, especially in the region they said the incident happened. That's a very believable fugue story compared to this, especially because dissociation seems to happen readily young kids, as their brains are still growing and haven't made a full set of adult connections yet, so it's easier for the brain to split itself up to come with trauma. For it to happen all of a sudden to an adult, and never again, though? Suspicious.

[@pbjandahighfive]

@@janeE011 You really must be kind of slow if you can't grasp the point.

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

@@pbjandahighfive Instead of being an ass, why don't you explain it so we all can understand?!?

[@cptjockitch]

It’s amazing people will believe the more unbelievable option instead of the obvious one. He ran away and probably ran out of money and went to his aunts house.

[@redarrowhead2]

Yes, I am 99% sure the dude ran away. 70s was also a different time. You had many runaways and young people that acted very independently. It was also much much harder to track people unlike today.

[@SuicideVan]

​@@redarrowhead2also much easier to pick up and create a new life/identity. I think many states still didn't have photo ID at that point.

[@AntiFaGoat]

Occam's razor is not in everyone's shaving kit. Some just wear a believer beard.

[@TokyoXtreme]

@@AntiFaGoatI noticed that the narrator mentioned he had taken a liking to writing, so maybe he impulsively tried to go on an adventure and write about it, then changed his mind or whatever.

[@SuicideVan]

@@TokyoXtreme wasn't Jack Kerouac's work quite popular with young adults of the time? I could see "On the Road" providing some inspiration.

[@theblackglove]

Love the dedication to Ellen on the front side of the episode. Class act, for sure. This is the first video of yours I've seen, and I'm excited for more!!

[@jeffsmith4110]

It's interesting that everyone who knew him described him as "weird." That leads me to believe that he set this whole thing up and it just got away from him -- out of his control.

[@paladin56]

So great to find a channel that actually bothers to do its own research rather than just regurgitating the usual myths and conspiracy theory, extra-terrestrial, time slip nonesense. Top marks for giving that woman journalist the credit she deserves too.

[@bunnyluver2176]

Regarding the email talking about the book: It seems like it was written by a professional writer--likely Steven himself not some "friend." He honestly sounds like a strange man and compulsive liar. I always thought his story was fishy, especially since he woke in a field so close to his aunt.

[@rockstarofredondo]

“Awoke in a field” in and of itself is ridiculous. That’s not how fugue states or amnesia episodes play out. That sounds like bad movie plot stuff.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

That’s a really good point. He was super close to someone he knew- like perfectly far enough away. Like when serial killers don’t kill their neighbor but also don’t travel a thousand miles away.

[@Gr300w]

Yes - I saw the em dash.

[@Rainingdogsandcats]

An amnesiac wouldn’t remember the aunts either. Isn’t that convenient. Who would want to cross a lake like that? He walked out and back backwards in his prior footprints.

[@buddyhell7100]

Marvellous introduction and appreciation of Ellens work.

[@wiseauserious8750]

The opening guitar strums for some reason always make me think of an old, retired cowboy putting a flower on his wife's grave who died of scarlet fever

[@bunnyluver2176]

😂

[@annjones5201]

reminds me of tracy chapman's classic anthem "fast car".

[@Irisdlv]

That is very specific.

[@Bennyhannna]

Dude PLEASE PLEASE check out Andrew Prahlow’s ‘outer wilds original soundtrack’ amazing sound track with a very similar vibe albeit maybe more hopeful (incredible game as well fwiw)

[@frocurl]

One time I went fishing apparently in a state park and woke up a few days later in the hospital. No memory and my memory came back slowly over 3 days. I believe every word of Steven.

[@stoppit9]

That's days, not a year

[@tonykartracer8032]

When is your book coming out?

[@frocurl]

No book it's a new anime based off my Maga ur gonna love the bass fishing lures in this one

[@MrArgus11111]

It's glaringly obvious that he was lying the entire time. He did some things his family wouldn't approve of and then magically reappeared when whatever that was stopped working out. He is terribly disingenuous in his interviews and his absolutely bizarre lack of interest in what happened to him is an enormous red flag. He's lying.

[@clintw8173]

That’s my read too. The fact that he had impulsively traveled before and left his gear so conspicuously reinforce this.

[@bunnyluver2176]

Yes I agree with both these comments. Both mention big red flags. The biggest "tell" for me is him coincidentally waking in a field so close to his aunt.

[@christianthrasher8677]

​@@bunnyluver2176yeah it's strange how he was so close to where his aunt lived personally I think she was involved in some way

[@LeL-q9e]

I too believe he made it all up. I think people who want to "disappear," plan it out beforehand. For ex. a CT man disappeared, 10 years later a NY man was found deceased under normal circumstances. Upon further investigation police reported the NY man and the CT man were one and the same. He just up changed his name and left leaving his family behind.

[@scottashe984]

Ok Columbo.

[@deificmask8931]

Ah, the 1970's . . . pre-internet, prior to cell phone ubiquity and ever-present security cameras recording one's every movement . . . a time in which a young person could, with a little planning and foresight, just walk away from an unfulfilling life and go explore the world! Congrats, Steven, you pulled it off, and I can't wait to read the book!

[@TheoP582]

Your intro really sets the tone for your content i love it. So simple yet so effective

[@Thehomelessathlete]

do not go gently into that good night, rage rage against the dying of the light

[@normalwan2262]

Ellen Killoran had articles released up to three days before she passed away, she was pretty young too. What happened? It's very sad for someone in their 40s to suddenly pass away like this.

[@lexxist]

@@GodEmperorOfDune747this is a completely insane and disrespectful thing to say

[@Sodacacik]

@@lexxist so what happened

[@maddieb.4282]

This is a crass and rude comment and is none of your business. Could easily be anything from a car crash to a drug overdose but knowing that info wouldn’t change anything

[@maddieb.4282]

@@lexxistto be fair it’s also a deranged question

[@Sodacacik]

@@maddieb.4282 deranged to ask why someone died? sounds deranged to think its a deranged question

[@Pipsqwak]

He's an eccentric who gets a kick out of being seen as some sort of enigmatic character. He could have experienced a fugue state, but it's more likely the whole thing was planned in order to enhance his aura of being a mysterious intellectual and creating a stir. He acted like he didn't want attention, but the whole thing seems like a stunt to gain attention. I agree that his lack of curiosity about his supposed amnesia is suspicious. I suffered amnesia due to a medical emergency and surgery and the medications involved, and the missing week of my life drives me nuts. It's like a black hole I can't fill in, and others telling me what went on just doesn't cut it. I want to remember! I can't imagine not wanting to find out what happened if I had lost a whole year.

[@steamedhamlet]

Yeah Steven is soooo smart but doesn't understand how transparent this whole thing is to anyone with a functioning brain. He thinks everyone else is stupid. But he found out people were on to him so he stopped the interviews. I don't know if he did it for attention as much as just wanting to "die" and be "reborn" as someone else. He disgusts me.

[@southernsweetie]

And now he's promoting a book go figure

[@tammywebb7521]

I couldn't agree more. I watched part of the interview and had to stop due to all the BS that was coming out of this guy's mouth. It's obvious he didn't have a good relationship with his parents, decided to leave and it didn't work out after a year and so he went back home. It's sad to put your family and friends through that. He sounds selfish and like a narcissist. He's an attention getter and wants to make some money on the side.

[@agdoren]

This is my take as well. The only other explanation I find reasonable is that someone possibly did take him and he doesn't want to tell what happened. But portals, aliens, fugue states, etc...I don't find believable at all.

[@steamedhamlet]

@@tammywebb7521 I'm with you there 100%

[@jamesb.9155]

I just finished seeing the interview you did with Steven Kubacki and his friend and co-author of the book about this event, still not published. The conversation you all had was eye opening and gave Dr. Kubacki a real face with lots of insights into his life, thought processes, experience and his personal philosophy. Getting that interview was quite a score for you!

[@RaeBattleRapsMood]

Before you even brought up cult, I already thought about that. I believe he left to join the cult and it didn’t work out. A lot of people I’ve seen that joined cults just disappear, I think the cults tell them before they arrive not to share with anyone where they are going. He definitely disappeared of his own accord.

[@ricodelavega4511]

or not to share with each other who they really are, or who they were previously. There's probably some girls and folks who went through bay area cults back then, who just one day found "nathan" just up and left. He's probably in some 70s video of a church service of Jim Jones, or some eastern cult in the bay area. If you come across some video from late 78/early 79 of some bay area cult back then, take a good look at the audience. You'll probably find steven there.

[@lukeguido4470]

I have seen footage of this case in almost every format imaginable, it's one that has fascinated me since I first heard about it. But truly no-one has covered it the way you have, so insightful. Many thanks.

[@aliasif8498]

These findings seems very plausible n it's the first time I came across so many details on this case. Hands down the best channel on KZbin covering these mysteries

[@r-pupz7032]

I consider you an excellent journalist and investigator. You are bringing a level of respectfulness, humility, and dedication to accuracy that is much needed when reporting on missing people and mysteries. I especially appreciate the way you tell the story and meticulously lay out all the evidence, and your level headed discussion of all the different theories. Your acknowledgement of the work done by Ellen Killoran and dedication to her memory says a lot about your character and integrity. As does your approach to the people involved in these situations, especially the family who have to grapple with the disappearance of their loved one. I am at least relieved that Kubaki returned, but I do believe he instigated his own disappearance. I can't imagine what his family went through during that harrowing year. Many thanks for all your hard work!

[@danletter9357]

I do find the channels that “leave out” information that sounds logical, in lieu of theories that sound “bizarre”. I find those stories entertaining. However, I definitely appreciate being able to come to your channel to fill in the blanks. Keep up the fine work.

[@marhawkman303]

yeah some channels aim to entertain.... but you won't learn anything.

[@NuclearMango.]

Newbie that just found your channel through a recommendation. Glad I watched it, too. Incredibly thorough investigation and high props for dedicating this episode to Ellen. I had to subscribe so I could could check out some (or many) of your past episodes. Definitely looking forward to some very interesting and thoughtful entertainment.

[@bumblebee0369]

My opinion is what Kevin told that man who picked him up hitchhiking is exactly what I believed happened. Because Kevin probably figured it would never come out because they don't know this strange, how are people gonna find out who picked him up that day so he So he figured he can tell the stranger the truth because it'll never go nowhere beside them two. But it did.....funny how things work out.

[@ethanbailey7426]

yeah, disappearing to join a cult only to later regret it and want his old life back seems perfectly plausible and the kind of thing one would be embarrassed to tell people about.

[@belene2]

Nice job giving credit where credit is due to Ellen. You did a great job covering the story. Thank you!

[@bohemian6103]

Great video! Keep up the good work!

[@sandrafaith]

This was such a terrific, comprehensive video on this story. I had heard about this case before, but I'd never heard about the man who gave Steven a ride, and I never expected to hear Kubacki is writing a book! Props to Ellen (RIP) for laying the foundation, and props to you for dedicating this video to her.

[@panman2568]

The ode and respect that you paid the previous journalist was a great projection of your character. It was awesome man and thank you for the videos and your channel as whole, it’s absolutely one of my favorites. I appreciate the fact that you do your own (very extensive) non biased research. It gives a sliver of hope to me for the future

[@JTA1961]

Accent on "sliver"

[@staticteg4953]

I grew up in holland and spent countless hours hiking and exploring the Woods where stephen went missing. This case has always intrigued me. Because my friends and I have been out there 1000 times and even the dark. The fact that he went missing at the same beach where everyone walks out to get to the water is crazy. It's a beautiful area but hard to get lost out there because if you walk in any direction for A mile or two you're gonna hit a road, rail or house. Thank you for making a video on this. I've been hoping you would. I love the detail you put into researching topics like this.🤓

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

I think he woke up way too close to his aunt’s house for it to be real @mehrimazedeh

[@spleeeen4it]

You're videos are different class. So well explained , no silliness, just beautifully narrated. Really superb, keep up the good work!!

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

You acknowledging, crediting, and dedicating your work to the people who have helped or inspired you is truly top notch.

[@redneckroy8947]

Wow. Mad respect for the dedication at the start. I have great respect for a man that acknowledges another ones work.

[@soulsharts]

He magically "awakens" from his amnesia about 20 miles from his aunt's house? How convenient.

[@nancyferrer4386]

You did a stellar job telling this story. Breaking down your Conclusion, I would have to agree with you. I do believe he planned his disappearance. Maybe in the beginning his desire was never to return. Time passed with regrets or his situation changed for the worse so he conjured up this story. Looking forward to your next case. Thank you great job.

[@rvanderjagt5944]

I started to get suspicious when he decided to hitchike to his aunt's house instead of going to a hospital or police station after he woke up in a field confused and vulnerable. Nobody knows how they will react in such a situation, but it just struck me as very fishy. Especially when he later didn't want to talk to a mental health professional about what happened, like he was avoiding the people who might poke holes in the story.

[@Old_Indian_Trick]

I grew up and live about 30 minutes from deerfield, I can't believe I've never heard of this case. Good Work.

[@sergioreyes298]

A great mystery, thanks! On a side note, I am so glad that at last I've found a serious person on this platform, one who is well spoken and not prone either to BS nor to self-aggrandizing mannerisms that really irritate me. Keep up the great work and best of luck to you.

[@sydneyalisonbaker]

Interesting to note, the self-published pamphlet that would later be expanded into the book known as The Paper Trip, was released somewhere around 1973 and was gaining in popularity until it’s official release years later. I think a lot of the disappearances in the late 70s through the early 90s could be connected to this work.

[@steamedhamlet]

Wow! Great observation. I think it very well might have been the case. I think he desperately craved a new identity. He obviously wasn't proud of his family and roots. What a d bag he is... to put his mother through that. And his girlfriend who became suicidal after his disappearance...

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

Yes, I agree totally with your opinion. There is a second title "How To Disappear Completely" published more recently that gives every help to the reader who wants to vanish. Best of health.

[@Widespread-Panic]

I never knew such a thing existed. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm off now to see what that's all about.

[@lorileew2337]

There have been more than a few disappearnces where the person was a fan of Jack K. beat nick author.. He wrote a book about disappearancing and there have been people did what wrote about in that book .. One of the young woman that's still missing and left a goodbye note mentioning Jack K is Leah Robert's disappearance..en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Leah_Roberts en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Leah_Roberts

[@Cugelclever]

I know the Radiohead song.@@BlueBeeMCMLXI

[@ZvookUK]

So refreshing to hear a balanced, rational and non-sensationalised analysis of the available evidence on this case (along with others you have covered) on youtube. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@mikhailiagacesa3406]

If I had not told my Mother where I was every month(cell phone call from windy mountain tops, Rockies) I would have been listed as missing for over 18 months. It's not hard to disappear with a little knowledge and some hard traveling. Also, I grew up in the same time period as this. This 'brilliant loner' sounds like another drop-out destined for the Island of Misfit Toys. Now that time has passed, he'll make retirement money from his book and pay off that pesky mortgage.

[@niraku321]

You obviously didn't watch to the end of the video .

[@tylerwhite4557]

@@niraku321how do you figure

[@novahittingthegroundrunnin9933]

Fascinating mystery. This is truly my favorite channel to watch.

[@chrish651]

Beautiful opening mate, much respect to your respect. Sad to hear the opening, but hoping her research is seen by many. Keep making these gems.

[@floridanews8786]

Much respect to your respect of his respect, that's some mighty respectful respecting.

[@lovingmayberry307]

This was fascinating, ty. Subscribed. 👍

[@zolotaya.rybka.]

I just discovered your channel and I watched this - instant sub! I really like how detailed this is, and how you give your own opinions, yet keep it balanced and factual. Plus, a lovely tribute to Ellen at the beginning. Thank you!

[@bunnyluver2176]

I hope he's getting some traction in the algorithm. He is by far my favorite creator and I hope he gets the recognition he deserves. Have fun watching his other videos. They're all great, especially the Yuba 5 video.

[@zolotaya.rybka.]

@@bunnyluver2176 I totally agree - and thank you for the suggestion!

[@Chudchanning]

Babe wake up, The Missing Enigma just posted again

[@WobblesandBean]

13:45 This is what makes me believe he did this intentionally. He wanted an adventure, he ran off, had some fun, it didn't work out and he decided to pull this stunt so his folks wouldn't be angry at him for abandoning them. His refusal to explain what he went through, to me, is a sign of guilt.

[@NanoTyrannus]

What a great, highly informative and logical perspective on this case. It was truly a pleasure to watch. Thank you Nick, great job!

[@DavidD-xb6yn]

The best! Another great video dude.

[@matthewdewey7312]

The first words spoken by Steven in his interview are the only honest ones he said, and sum this case up perfectly: " I was lying..."

[@DocBree13]

😂 I think you’re right

[@jaysalazar4977]

Yeh

[@aliasif8498]

No doubt,it's the most mysterious case amongst many mysterious disappearances....N still no answers n even various theories doesn't even make sense... This is one of the best videos of this case by arguably the best channel covering these mysterious disappearances

[@ellecee453]

His disparaging comments about his mother and his parents told me that he likely disappeared because he wanted to disappear. He may not have planned to be away so long, but I think his initial disappearance was deliberate.

[@RockDodger]

I love that you dedicated your work to the journalist. Good for you mate!

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Very logical conclusion. He knew exactly what he was doing. Guess we will have to wait for the book.

[@CrumbMuffins]

Not only is your content top of its class in research, presentation and production. You are a class act, you love to see it.

[@JK-gm6kk]

Wow, talk about finding the perfect topic for a channel im super glad to have discovered recently.

[@1.515g]

Your thoroughness is always appreciated. Ellen K. would have subscribed if given time.

[@dariselectricincorporated3226]

Another BANGER as always Mr. Enigma, you consistently give us high quality content, as soon as I see a new upload from you, immediately I watch start to finish.

[@SUPERTROOPER89]

That was a wonderful tribute from the outset, and a good example on how to give credit and respect to those who's work has gone before, that inspires ones own endeavours.

[@Thunderous333]

Yet again another class act from an amazing channel. Going out of his way, talking to people, finding out the REAL truth. Love this channel and will always support it.

[@chrisefindlay]

The interview transcripts scream BS to me. Nobody talks like that, especially a 20 year old kid after experiencing one of the strangest things to ever happen. It reads like dialogue in a high school senior’s creative writing essay. Which is what it is essentially. He got a kick out of feeling more interesting than he actually was

[@Mommapunkin]

I was 17 and living in southern Indiana (still living in S.I.) when that winter hit us. School was dismissed for over a month, only people with large 4x4 with new snow stud tires or with tires with chains were the only ones that could get out. Luckily my boyfriend (hubby now) at the time had one.

[@tonybell2801]

The level of care, respect, and thoughtfulness you put into your research and conclusions are what every KZbinr should aspire to.

[@wyattmann8157]

He decided to pursue some Counterculture/New Age BS, and when it wasn’t sufficiently to his liking, he came home, pretended to have amnesia and dropped back into his old life.

[@MissingPersonsMysteries]

Amazing tribute bud!

[@cheviotyeti7864]

Just discovered your channel....will be catching up on all your strange stories and look forward to new ones....thank you

[@RockRollG]

When I see a NEW Missing Enigma Episode I press playyyyyyyyy 🔥

[@TatteredCoat]

Hey I’m early! Love your videos! Can’t wait to watch this one. I hope your subscriber base continues to grow, because you are by far the most thorough and objective creator of this sort of content I’ve seen.

[@brianfpp540]

That was an extremely professional,educational and interesting video on an event I have never heard of. Your narration was precise,well researched and supported by evidence when available. I shall certainly be seeing what else you have to offer on your channel. Tyvm for posting...

[@Pack.Leader]

It's a long wait between your videos but they never disappoint. Happy and surprised to see this today. Thanks for all you do. After watching the entire video, I have to say that he probably pulled this off intentionally. He was the type of kid to care more about himself than of those who loved him and would be pained by his disappearance. I won't buy his book but I'll look forward to the reviews written about it.

[@GregGremlin]

Your a wiseman to see thru that painfully obvious fabricated miracle of his if u got time check out my comment i just left & let me know if my assumption is on point its nothing deep just logical basic common sense cuz Mr. Bright here as bright as he was he was not clever in the least because s any logical person knows your university achievements does not contribute to your cleverness only life experiences in real time gives somebody that skill _ also the fact that he had gf's across Europe but ZERO in this whole country 😂😂😂n he went to SF its a no brainer bud so buying his book which is gonna be all lies or greatly exaggerated stories with his "cult" peoples 😂😂😂

[@elizabethbogle3533]

It's possible he had some type of mental illness.

[@JohnMacintyre-cl5nu]

EASY!!! TRUE STORY! BIGFOOT got him an took steven as his life partner! then steven turned out to be a stage 5 clinger so Morty! (the bigfoot) hit steven over the head cave man style an dropped him off in a corn field! while stomping away dusting his hands off bigfoot said "DAMN WHITE PRIVILIGE" lol an that's the Steven hicky story gbyaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JordanHowellMusic]

@@JohnMacintyre-cl5nuplease give me some of the drugs you have taken 😂

[@wellston2826]

Nice and classy tribute at the begining. Rest in Peace, Ellen.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

I'm in the "He totally faked the whole thing" camp. 20$ on it.

[@ainnochaim9450]

He seems like an intelligent, imaginative man, who is very interesting, at the very least. I very much hope that book gets published!

[@tuchehstone]

Absolutely love your insights into this case! And I'm agreeing with your conclusion regarding the Kubacki disappearance.

[@powwowken2760]

It's not surprising he works as a psychologist. Whether we want to admit it or not, the kind of person who becomes a shrink tends to be the one who need the most help in that area.

[@jasontyus4558]

Best channel on KZbin. Thanks for everything you do.

[@jwats9184]

Thank you for all the hard work you do for us, and for paying tribute to Ellen Killoran. This is such an interesting story!

[@ericwarncke]

You are really incredible for being persistent and getting police reports and responses from people who told you no continually. That's some A++++ tier work. That's some FBI CIA NSA level stalking err I mean reporting that you have done! I can't congratulate you enough for this video.

[@floridanews8786]

This comment has me 💀 🤣🤣

[@maddieb.4282]

All you have to do is submit a FOIA request

[@lorileew2337]

​@@maddieb.4282That doesn't always work if they don't feel the information fits the criteria for a Freedom of Information Act ..

[@chelsea5867]

I recently found your channel and am really enjoying it! You do a great job of sharing these stories.

[@Quieresbro]

NGL, I had a really hard day today and I just got to my car and saw that you posted and My ride home just got a whole lot better!

[@MissingPersonsMysteries]

Excellent episode!

[@killerfreckles1162]

Oh no- already in tears at the first two minutes. RIP Ellen. God bless you and your family.

[@TheBobbymcd]

the video should be about what happened to ellen and not this steven guy...i want to know why she died

[@musicman9901]

A comment before watching the video: this is one of the only channels I've subscribed to that covers non-fiction stories. I appreciate the respectful angle taken in the here. It feels more like helping to find answers and closure rather than using the story for its shock value or glorifying anything bad that might have taken place. I just can't watch most YT channels covering this sort of thing because it almost feels like they disrespect or don't grasp that lots of these stories are essentially tragedies and revolve around actual lives and families being forever changed. I don't watch to get some sort of sick thrill of what might have happened to someone but instead to better learn the nature of the world around me and the strange things that go on in it.

[@TKTK-zx2xt]

Thank you for all of your great content! Another great video, I had known of the case but not done a deep dive let alone know about a book coming out, thanks again for every thing ! ❤😊

[@darlenelang3681]

Very good story. I enjoyed your viewpoints. Thanks for entertaining me .😊

[@yourgrannydude]

Keep it up man! Your videos are my absolute favorite in this genre! ❤

[@suscon1140]

The best creators do the research that goes beyond simply "scratching" the surface of that already known by the wider public. The "best of the best" also make sure to credit those who conducted the research before them, especially when that research assists the creator in completing their own investigation. Great work - Great and Informative Video!!