Unidentified Hiker's Mysterious Death Causes Massive Controversy | "Mostly Harmless" Case Analysis

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Vance Rodriguez, who is also known as the “Mostly Harmless” hiker? This is the topic of a documentary on the streaming service Max titled “They Called Him Mostly Harmless.”
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References:
www.wired.com/story/unsettlin...
www.adventure-journal.com/202...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
www.websleuths.com/forums/thr...
www.strangeoutdoors.com/myste...
time.com/6692516/mostly-harml...

[@TheJAEME]

My mom used to say "You can run, but you can't hide. Anywhere you go, there you are."

[@gogreen7794]

I say that a lot! It's very true and proven all too often.

[@rayross997]

When asked by someone, "are you there?", respond with, "no I'm here, you are there".

[@davewhiteman8353]

Well said

[@ztoob8898]

Total rip-off of Buckaroo Bonzai. /sarcasm

[@Polyphemus47]

At 76y/o now, I can hide, but I can't run.

[@tarstarkusz]

For all of the people criticizing his hiking ability, he did make it from NYC to the end of the trail, plus many hundreds of miles into Florida. This is more than the vast majority who attempt the trail can say. Their complaining about the weight is very strange considering they weren't the ones carrying that weight.

[@enjoystraveling]

I think they were worried about him, caring so much weight not themselves

[@enjoystraveling]

Carrying not Caring

[@joelspaulding5964]

More hiking miles than the casual, local hiker will do in a lifetime.

[@isaacmorales1419]

i thought perhaps he carried all that as self punishment ? considering his suicide attempt at 16 i believe. like literal baggage

[@toadevergreen2561]

And without being an ultralight jerk, to boot!

[@megankagarise8485]

“they didn’t even realize he was missing”…..how sad. RIP

[@livingonhighvibe]

over a year no contact, I assume. sad.

[@JeromeSmith-jl1rh]

Yes, because some do abandon their family like Vance abandoned his apartment.

[@annehoskins5795]

He legally emancipated himself from his family meaning there was some agreement that they were not related. Something like a divorce or an adoption in reverse.

[@Flying_Fetus]

I can't believe how much Vance's description fits me. I drive a forklift so I don't have to interact too much. My dream for retirement is a log cabin in the wilderness, just me and my dog.

[@user-ef9tb3ph6w]

Yep

[@millville]

The description fits me too! I have a solitary job and I love it!

[@Flying_Fetus]

I truly believe if Vance had a dog he would've found the drive to keep moving. A shepherd would've never let him waste away like that.

[@sammas2959]

Pra'bhu 🙏... And no need for Doctor Grande to air your story, RIGHT? Solitude requires no publicity.

[@Flying_Fetus]

@@sammas2959 ? Why the personal attack?

[@Ratzfourtyfour]

'Mostly Harmless' is a reference to The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Any nerd of his generation knows this novels for sure.

[@nanettevantriesteharder2469]

Mostly Harmless "The fifth book in the increasingly inaccurately named Hitchhiker's Trilogy" (1992). LOL!

[@phoenixxavier9615]

Also, perhaps he died when he was 42.

[@bthomson]

42 famous answer to the universal question.

[@Mr_Case_Time]

Those are great books, but I also recommend his two Dirk Gently books. I would have loved several more books with that character. There have been a couple of television adaptations, and they’re ok.

[@millville]

'So Long and Thanks for All the Fish' is one of my favourite songs.

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

I have to say, compared to the earlier photographs, he looks much healthier on his pictures from the trail

[@tallblonde1976]

He does! Those dark circles under his eyes were gone.

[@researchplease]

And happier

[@user-vq2wc4wm2q]

Yes! He is happy for once!

[@josephmayer2565]

For decades thousands of people hiked the AT without cell phones. Now people consider it reckless. I disagree. Some people want to get away from their normal lives for a few months, really away.

[@markstuckey6225]

You're right, of course. And I don't think it's unreasonable to carry 50lbs of food and equipment; how else are you meant to survive. I don't live in USA but in my country, if you go hiking for a week in the mountains, 50lbs. would be a bare minimum, to the point of recklessness.

[@lotstodo]

Someday people will have tracking chips.

[@WaywardPondering]

@@markstuckey6225 You’re right about the weight. Boy Scouts in the 90’s youth had 40 to 50 lbs and adults 50 to 70 lbs for a three day hike.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

​@lotstodo you already have one, it's called a cellphone.

[@roxannemoser]

​@@ThatOpalGuydid you see the original comment? It said, without cellphone. Someone could throw in a tracking device as a family courtesy, but not likely in Vance's case.

[@grungetruck8243]

Being out in the Woods is a great place when you're not getting along with the world.

[@adotintheshark4848]

it wasn't for Vance. The woods fooled him into believing he could run or walk away from the world. He realized that he couldn't at the end of his trail.

[@Patrusfarr]

@@adotintheshark4848 Nah, he walked away from the world. He ain't coming back.

[@AnthonyOMulligan-yv9cg]

I prefer pruning and picking a farm to trekking trail's, air's just as fresh

[@slowtheplanedown]

Are you Ted Kaczynski? When did you get released?

[@grungetruck8243]

@@slowtheplanedown 😂 no but I do love going for runs in the woods.

[@launderedcotton8070]

I thank Vance for knowing himself, distancing himself, and not going out in a blaze of glory. P.s. the AT is no joke, and he kept going, so props for that.

[@janeoleary8454]

Good point

[@yogijager]

@@AnaLucia-wy2iibut, he DID harm others

[@margaretr5701]

Perhaps the point is, he stopped and detached himself, so as to do no more harm. Some people don't have the self awareness to do that, and continue to harm other's, while searching for something, anyone, to help them feel acceptable, and able to fit in with society. It's sad he didn't get more help with his mental illness, but not everyone can be helped, especially if too unwell to seek help.

[@ivand5699]

⁠@@yogijagerDid he? Probably but I mean others turn into serial killers or mass murderers. I doubt this guy wanted to do harm is just his brain was wired different, he understood that and choosed to step away to not come back.

[@mangore623]

Oh God, the implication here is pretty obnoxious. Anyone who is withdrawn isn’t prone to serial violent offences.

[@mortvader]

"Mostly Harmless" was the second rank you could achieve in the Commodore 64 video game "Elite". The player would start out as "Harmless", and with much endurance would be able to ultimately achieve the rank of "Elite".

[@lindsayantwine1097]

Not fitting in is hard. Adding mental health issues on top of that is worse. It's difficult even if you don't want to fit in. You're still living in a society that demands we be constantly connected and social. Some of us have had enough interactions with others. People are draining and they don't seem to realize that fact.

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

"People are draining"...Exactly!

[@toadevergreen2561]

Yeah he definitely was an introvert

[@theresehopkins1581]

Perfectly stated!!! ❤😂🎉

[@ahill4642]

“Some of us have had enough interactions with others.” Amen to that.

[@skycloud4802]

I think it's even worse when particular narcissistic tendencies are on the rise. Who would want to be bombarded with post-internet influenced people all the time?

[@Iain1962]

I just hope his last message was "So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish".

[@millville]

yup, a favourite song of mine.

[@elphiegleason3899]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@alistairmurray626]

i don't think his departure saved the planet, it's just a sad story of human suffering

[@Iain1962]

@@alistairmurray626 Or the happy story of a man who forged his own path, made his own choices, and lived and died on his own terms, we can only guess.

[@alistairmurray626]

​@@Iain1962 I was just commenting on the quote you chose. He's not a dolphin, he's not leaving the planet to save our lives, it makes no sense. As for him, i've nothing against him or his choices.

[@carlyrennae3963]

HAPPPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY DR G !!! May you have the happiest day with your Grande family 🎉 thank you for your amazing work and best humour ever even in dark places ! You are the best ❤

[@michaelblaine6494]

I remembered that from the Dexter profile and then you reminded me✊

[@bthomson]

Isn't it really 2/15?

[@carlyrennae3963]

​@@bthomsonarrgghhhhhh it is tooo I always forget it's a day behind us not if front lols oh well early love this year!!!!

[@JoeRogansForehead]

Does your husband know you’re using his card to send money to married men again? We talked about this Carly. Just cause he’s at work dosnt mean your single for 8 hours , that’s not how it works.

[@carlyrennae3963]

@JoeRogansForehead I have a husband ??? When did this happen ??? Who is he ?? Do I get to meet him ? How do you know this??? Oh man all this time I thought I was single lmao.... Oh and BTW I make my money friend so all good there ! Please tell my husband to contact me instead of you !

[@69429boss]

The problem is it is EXTREMELY difficult to starve to death when there is food available. There becomes a point where insanity sets in (look up the Minnesota starvation experiment) and it would be almost impossible to resist food in the vicinity.

[@historybits2570]

There is this season of “alone” which is about people living in the wilderness alone. And there was a guy who was forcebly removed because he was essentially starving and was surrounded with food and refused to eat it because in his mind he was rationing it out. It was so weird.

[@69429boss]

@@historybits2570 but he didn't starve to death

[@KaraLey98]

@@69429boss What was his cause of death? There was no natural disease reported. It was probably the saner kind of death suffered by anorexia victims-his heart was probably lacking in the things it needed to function bc he wasn’t eating. Even if he did eat a little at this late stage, it might not have saved him.

[@christina3521]

Who got to him as a child? All the earmarkings of an abuse victim.

[@howard5992]

yes, a male suicide attempt at 15 is unusual

[@ammantophori]

Karen

[@robinpesek3657]

Maybe, maybe not. Schizophrenia is a brain issue. A very painful, debilitating, and treacherous disease. They suffer greatly.

[@joelspaulding5964]

​@@howard5992Actually not, in the context of people who attempt. Though 15 year-old females are more likely to make a gesture/attempt.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

its a lack of Niacin, vitamin B3; plenty of books about it. @@robinpesek3657

[@tuvia4082]

Back in the late 70's I walked a lot of different parts of the AT, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, but no one was overly concerned that we didn't have cell phones. Oh wait, there were no cell phones then. Thanks Dr. Grande.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

merchandise.. how the hell did people in Conestoga wagons ever find Oregon?

[@janetgood6332]

@@ThatOpalGuy It's pretty easy to forget how many didn't get where they were headed for, so that's not the best example.

[@ci6516]

There was also a time humans traveled by wooden ship and If 30% didn’t make it that was a good trip

[@NoahStephens]

It’s almost like people adopt new technological once they become available

[@atticstattic]

"A man who found more life in death than life gave him at birth"

[@GGiblet]

i love that song so much!!

[@ycylchgames]

Im on the ASD spectrum and Im also bipolar. Vance's life worryingly sounds like mine, or quite close in many respects. I had a total breakdown about six years ago and had to be diagnosed. So glad that happened, Im getting medication and social help now. Lifes not perfect but Im a hell of a lot happier in myself. I'm sad that Vance seems to not have understood that he had some kind of issues himself, never got similar assistance and that it ended so sadly for him. I think he just needed help.

[@lawr66]

Yeah 11:25 "Schizoid Personality Features" sounds like junk science to me. High functioning autistic is more like it I'd say.

[@cathymc116]

Glad for you! Sounds like you have learned to recognize and manage your symptoms. Best wishes!

[@ycylchgames]

​@@cathymc116 Thank you 👍

[@aon5709]

Symptoms of ASD for Mostly Harmless was my first thought as well. Sure, depression. But schizo-personality? Not convinced. And the cell phone issue. I don't backpack with one. Why is that weird, reckless, etc.? People been wandering for eons without. Sounds like you're doing well with your self-care. Good job and Best Wishes! I've always thought there are some real treasures to be found in people with ASD so long as the rest of society can let them be exactly how they are.

[@lawr66]

​@@aon5709 I replied to ycylchgames almost the same comment as you (ASD yes, schizo no) and it was removed (don't know who or why), Maybe I was too blunt spoken.

[@JDoe001]

Unfortunately, for me, it’s been my experience that when people “fill in the blanks about me”, it’s almost always negative. I can’t stress that enough. Now that I think about it, I’m not the only with that problem. I think most people who are recluse, especially if they are elderly, it seems that people tend to think they are spooky, or hostile.

[@historybits2570]

If people just say negative things about you, maybe it’s time for some self reflection and make some changes.

[@BenThe-nx3le]

It’s been my experience that the masses are clueless, and amazingly ignorant; look at all the stuff they made up abt him! If u don’t feed them w info abt yourself, they imagine things!

[@AA-ed6ek]

@@historybits2570 That does not necessarily mean anything. Some people just choose to be a-holes to certain people. It isn't because of personality necessarily. Sometimes they've never talked to person or know the person.

[@thesilversurfer7136]

Well said. The social world is afraid of those who are happy with solitude and can enjoy life without being “overly” socially committed. Intelligence requires periods of research and self reflection. We have idiots in charge.

[@historybits2570]

@@AA-ed6ek To have many people repeatedly decide they don't like you, it's you. Sorry to burst your bubble, it's not nuanced. Not everyone is going to like you and not everyone is going to want to be your friend, but if it's constant it's you and you should either accept it and move on with your life or make changes. Plenty of people meet me and don't like me and I don't care, but the problem is me, not them. Stop living in fantasy land giving people bad advice.

[@Tina06019]

It’s rather strange that so many people commented on the size and weight of his pack. After all, it appears he was a normal-sized adult man. The ultralight style of backpacking was not common a few decades ago. Our gear was heavier, generally sturdier, and lasted a long time. We used to wear boots that would last about 4 to 5 times longer than modern trail runners. When the soles were worn out, we would get them resoled. Carrying a 35-40 pound pack was normal.

[@michaelschneider6106]

So many "Ultra Lighters" are BS. They trek for a few days, forward gear ahead by mail, and stay in hotels/hostels, and pigging out on restaurant food.

[@NetWit20]

In my younger days I wanted to hike away with my "Will Write Code For Food" cardboard sign, and did for a week. Guys like that are nerdy and may seem unrelatable when in fact they can't stand conventional small talk and consumerism. It can be painful to not be able to communicate on a conventional level. The reason I like Super Bowl Sundays is, everyone is somewhere I'm not.

[@dougdoesit3013]

Dang, He made it from NY to Florida as a first time hiker! That was almost epic. If he would have lived he would be a legend.

[@leannemo7382]

Perhaps, but he would not have cared one bit. Sad life.

[@asherdie]

A legend for what?

[@dougdoesit3013]

@@asherdie to have no real experience, and just take off like forest gump and actually walked from NY to Florida. Do you realize how Epic that is? Most people would have died before the halfway mark. That is a jaunt!

[@asherdie]

@@dougdoesit3013 most people are sheltered then.

[@cvr527]

@@dougdoesit3013 The Appalachian trail is not wilderness. There is nearby civilization almost the entire length of the trail. Nor is it a rugged trail in any respect.

[@marioswild5017]

He tried to run away from himself thought it was possible,wanted it to be possible and secretly he knew,not seeing an exit anywhere,he made his own.What a tragic story.

[@Qrail]

Happy Birthday, Todd. This mostly harmless guy probably needed a friend that could give him distance when necessary. I could have been his friend.

[@mariemarie3999]

Sammmme I have such a primal crush on this dude 😅

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@mariemarie3999😫

[@kathleensullivan4547]

❤same here

[@dirtyjersey4672]

AKA, The “Bobby Sands” diet. Sad…

[@SeaBlue1976]

His family and ex didn't want anything to do with him.I feel sorry for him but there was not harmless at home. They never discussed about him

[@nickh.4917]

The “Mostly Harmless” name is from the book “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” It is how the Hitchhiker’s Guide (a reference book for aliens) defines humans. It used to define humans as “harmless” and then it was revised to define them as “mostly harmless.” Maybe he was saying that he was human or an Everyman. And he was hiking so he probably thought that was funny.

[@RhiannonRaven]

I'd categorise humans as 'mostly harmful'. I suppose that says more about my opinion of the human race.

[@iaindcosta]

"Harmless " revised to "Mostly Harmless " with the emphasis on "Mostly "

[@KaraLey98]

It IS FUNNY!!! 😎😂

[@iaindcosta]

@@KaraLey98 The original radio plays and the 1st 2 books are my favourites.

[@mcnultyssobercompanion6372]

I keep up with the unidentified decedent wiki and I remember his case. I remember the pictures of his tent, and I think there were even pictures of him posted (taken by hikers) even though his identity still wasn't known. I was happy to see he was identified. It's always a good thing. Genetic genealogy is changing the world.

[@jshuffield]

Dr Grande's trail name would be Cactus

[@toadevergreen2561]

Dr Grandes trail name would be Interesting Dialogue

[@thegreencat9947]

A mostly prickly character.

[@cal1405]

Just Speculating

[@ahill4642]

🌵

[@eddymison3527]

Pinky

[@Bebecat477]

This man's life seems very sad and misunderstood. A very happy birthday to you Dr. G!

[@BethRitterGuth]

Excellent video. I am very involved with the AT and live in PA along the most horrendous rocks serving as a trail angel when I am not out section hiking. The AT community is very tight knit, and when we lose one of our tribe, we all become instantly concerned. When his picture was posted, I went through my guest books to see if he had stayed with me and checked our wall to see if he had signed. A few Denims have stayed here, but no one named Mostly Harmless. I travel great sweeps of the trail each year, and his face looked familiar but I couldn't pinpoint if he was a hiker I helped or a hiker I met at something like Trail Days in Damascus. Unfortunately, the AT (and maybe all long trails) are a great escape for a few who want to be forgotten. I often think that I know nothing about most of the people who stay in my yard, but that is the culture we all adopt. I am sorry he lost his life, but I feel like his story is very much a modern retelling of Crane'e Maggie. What were his options after the trail? Would there ever be an "after"? Thanks so much for a thought provoking video!

[@elizabethhamm5320]

So sad. There are people who have limited human interaction but still manage to find contentment. Plenty of people do find themselves most content when they are out in nature. Others find it through spirituality or a religious order. Some people prefer animals. It’s sad that he couldn’t be at peace when he was alive but hopefully he is now

[@ConspireOfficial]

he sure looked healthier in the hiking pictures. Almost unrecognizable

[@sarahd8093]

You said Lafayette correctly!! I'm born and raised in New Orleans and now live 40 mins north in St Tammany Parish. Happy birthday and Happy Mardi Gras!!🎉🎉🎉 Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!

[@michaelblaine6494]

I grew up in Philadelphia and there was/is a pizza shop called Lafayette and til you confirmed he said it correctly I assumed I had pronounced it wrong all those years

[@atticstattic]

How else would one say it?

[@elainehiggins713]

I live 10 minutes from Baton Rouge. I’m wondering why he said Lafayette Parish, not the city of Lafayette.

[@hannahmitchell87]

@@atticstattic I'm wondering the same

[@sarahd8093]

@@elainehiggins713 I didn't catch that part.

[@alisharocklin2741]

My favorite time of day is Dr. Grande time! The most consistent and hard working doc on you tube!

[@edenstanding8676]

Mostly Harmless is a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy reference. It's a book title that describes Humanity.

[@eadweard.]

The title of a book that describes humanity.

[@TokyoXtreme]

It's the Hitchhiker's Guide's entry for "Earth".

[@edenstanding8676]

@@TokyoXtreme Yeah, the ENTIRE entry. Just like this hiker!! Mysterious.

[@susanmann5286]

I read a non-fiction story about a woman who starved to death. She was very close to a highway in an abandoned house. She kept a journal while she slowly died. For whatever reason(s) she simply could not convince herself to leave and get some food.

[@margaretr5701]

I've read the same story, it was, and still is, haunting. She picked all the apples nearby and rationed them out, but eventually had nothing. The house and rooms were well described. The story has stayed with me.

[@childrenpraisegod1230]

Starvation weakens the body and is dehydrated couldn't move about anymore to get some food. It is sad his $3,000 cash wasn't used to buy food to keep in his heavy luggage to feed himself. RIP

[@StackyB77]

​@childrenpraisegod1230 There's a doc called ONLY GOOD KNOWS WHERE I AM. It's really well done.

[@karenfromNH]

Linda Bishop - God knows where I am

[@HerestheT]

Mental health inpatient facilities have never been a comforting experience for me. It’s made me more scared and sick. I feel badly for anyone who’s had to get help and ended up in one of those facilities. The ones here in my state are awful. (Oregon)

[@robinantonio8870]

Stay well clear of " mental health " professionals. In my experience of them as a reg nurse, they are largely narcissists who enjoy controlling people.

[@hayat3428]

So, he chose death by starvation? That in itself is interesting because I've never heard of anyone choosing to end their life in such a long, painful way. What a sad story.

[@ohsweetmystery]

Starvation is 't painful, just protracted.

[@AT-hy9cq]

A lot of vegans doing that, vegans that eating only raw food, or only fruits.

[@booksfellover]

The documentary “only god knows where I am” is about linda bishop. She starved herself to death and had mental issues as well.

[@benwright6330]

No. I'm goin with the alien thee ree

[@riekivonwielligh6102]

Some monks do that. Mummified themselves

[@megalopolis2015]

You really have a poetic side. It came through on this story. I wish everyone could get the help they need, but it usually can't be forced. Thank you for your insight, thoughtfulness and compassion. If it is your Birthday, may it be a blessed one. Take a few hours off, at least. Give your wife a big hug. Go for a nice walk. Drink tea on the balcony. ❤🎉

[@megalopolis2015]

@@JesterMax24 If someone is a danger to themselves, it'd be nice to see temporary options available until equilibrium can be reached. My fiance' has extreme depression and anxiety. He gets help when needed, but many of the facilities are not up to snuff to meet the needs of many suffering people.

[@megalopolis2015]

@@JesterMax24 I agree that it is such a complex thing, requiring family and clinicians to see the individual way before their illness(es), while at the same time trying to help that person combat symptoms. In my case, that involves keeping my hand on his back or forehead all night to help him sleep peacefully, as well as be a sounding board for a semi autobiographical film he wants to produce, including listening to the parts involving enormous self harm. I don't know what you might be going through, but I hope you're not going through this alone.

[@dcat78]

This video seemed in part like an eulogy. Rest in peace Mostly Harmless. ❤

[@dianemorton2222]

Interesting. I live in Lafayette. It was interesting Vance was born here. It was sad he never had inner peace and he teavelled so far but never could escape his mental illness. He must have been a good hiker to have hiked the entire trail. The ending of the story was sad. He must have wanted to die alone.

[@irenerosenberg3609]

Dr. Grande's description of the way people interpreted the behavior of the enigmatic hitchhiker is the same way people reacted to Chauncey Gardiner in the movie "Being There" staring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine.

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

Great movie! One of my favorite movies.

[@jellyellie242]

the photos of him on the trail looks overwhelmingly like my dad who passed 18 years ago. it stops my scroll every time a video comes up about him. rest in peace dad, rest in peace mostly harmless.

[@badfinger61]

Somewhat similar to the story of Christopher McCandless, aka Alexander Supertramp, who was sadly found deceased in an old bus in Alaska in 1992. His story inspired the film Into The Wild.

[@christina3521]

Glad you brought him up. RIP.

[@ursodermatt8809]

i do not see the comparison. mccandless was totally reckless which cannot be said of mostly harmless

[@MakerInMotion]

​@@ursodermatt8809Yeah Alaskans find it kind of annoying the way he's been venerated. He's not an example to follow. He shot a moose but had no idea how to cut it up and preserve the meat so it went to waste. He didn't research the area so he was caught off guard when the river swelled. You have to respect nature enough to be prepared.

[@ursodermatt8809]

@@MakerInMotion he was also not listening to advice of the locals. it was like he almost had a death wish. no map either if recollect correctly so he didn't even know how close to civilisation he was.

[@Jane-xt4lu]

It's not about facts, people don't understand the power of 'story'. A story about a successful boyscout outing is not interesting. A story about a disasterous boyscout trip is. Krakauer told a compelling true story about youth, idealism, etc..and it would not have been interesting if it'd all gone according to plan.

[@lindas5964]

I really loved this one Dr. Grande! Nothing is ever as interesting or mysterious as a person’s soul.

[@wilhelmhagberg4897]

Great episode, dr Grande! As much as I like your true crime stories, I also miss your mental health contents from a few years back. This story was interesting in itself and also gave you an opportunity to use your expertise for an appealing psychological interpretation.

[@derstoffausdemderjoghurtis]

Yes his content now is good, but is earlier content was too and much more unique - I wish he would do both. If it weren't for his old content I wouldn't have taken interest in his channel.

[@yehmen29]

Vince sounds so much like me. I don't like being around people, and especially being questioned. I am staying in a backpackers' hostel right now and one of my roommates, who is a vulnerable narc, won't leave me alone. She's definitely latched on, and I have to go and spend the day elsewhere, and pretend to be asleep in the evening, as she won't let me read or spend time alone. I am so looking forward to the spring when I will be able to stay at camping sites...

[@zeelast]

@yehmen29. I feel for you. I also love being alone...maybe some large headphones? Surely no one would disturb you when you have those on??😅

[@ampamp999]

Mostly harmless sounds wise. His life is much interesting than digital life and indulging in same recycled coversation .

[@bunnymad5049]

This is very sad. But, his family didn't know he was missing?

[@takemyjobpleeez]

He never kept in touch with them. They were estranged. That happens. They may commutate once or twice a year, but that's it. All my family is gone, except my brother. We haven't spoken to each other in years. If he reaches out, fine, but I'm not making the effort. Some people just want to be left alone.

[@Jazzie654]

@@takemyjobpleeez 💯 totally agree 👍

[@ericf7063]

I remember this from a few years ago. As I recall, he was "estranged" from his family and close associations for many years. It makes me wonder how he was able to attract anyone to be around him for any length of time. Evidently, he'd go months, if not years with no familial contact. He was disconnected from any social interactions. It leads me to believe that his outward behavior was learned. Just enough to get by on the surface so to speak. Anything deeper, that's a no go. I've known a few people like that. They keep things superficial.

[@bunnymad5049]

Thanks, everyone. You're absolutely right. Appreciate the replies. xxxx

[@kb-vw9ix]

I remember reading that someone in his family said there was a reason they weren’t in contact…. Seemed to imply he was toxic…

[@jenanne31]

Happy birthday, Dr. Grande! And happy Valentine's Day to you and your family tomorrow.

[@genekelly8467]

So sad-this reminds me of the "Maine Hermit"-that guy lived alone in the maine woods for 27 years-he had no desire to socialize at all.

[@4FYTfa8EjYHNXjChe8xs7xmC5pNEtz]

That was so weird. Even in the coldest Winter freezes, he wouldn't bunker down with a fire and a sleeping bag. He would walk back and forth to keep warm instead. He didn't want fires in case the smoke was seen by others.

[@lusomarga]

Omg, so happy Dr. Grande covered this case! I was aware of it when Vance was still unidentified, and the info about him was circulating all kind of nerdy forums. I was obsessed with this case, even more when his body was finally identified. RIP Vance...

[@daynasafranek7807]

I always try to remember that whether things are good, bad or otherwise; that they simply are. No place I could transport myself would change the simple facts of my life because they are what they are. Giving up on things will not change them or improve them. I can see some of myself in Vance, so I can empathize some, and it’s really a sad ending to his life.

[@sammas2959]

Your points are valid and heard, but are you really like Vance in the abusive behavior toward others?

[@stephenmorton8017]

Of course Dr Grande thinks it's all in the brain but he forgot to mention any potential gastrointestinal issues. I would observe that he never looked healthier than when he was hiking. Welcome to America, you'll have to excuse us we are currently suffering a loneliness epidemic because everybody is afraid of each other.

[@jecarlin]

I remember when this case made the rounds on r/Unresolved Mysteries. A lot of people became emotionally invested in his case and had to integrate finding out he wasn't always the nicest to others.

[@raeraebadfingers]

I remember when I saw an article about it when the news broke and I read the whole thing, and messaged my friend and said "MOSTLY HARMLESS WAS A DOUCHEBAG?!"

[@johnalexander4513]

All I can say is wow, wow wow! This is one of the best “speculations” I’ve ever heard. Psychoanalytical, plausible in every sequence. Good job Dr. Todd! Episodes like this is what keeps me coming back for more. Great analysis.

[@erikschultz6865]

I get wanting to "get lost" and disconnect from the rest of the world to some degree. The early attempt at suicide is strange. Other then mild run in with shop lifting and a little aggression towards females he seems mostly not anti-social..just troubled. To his credit he disconnected from relationships before becoming abusive.

[@hankdieselify]

Right, and after changing his mind and wanting to live seemed like a critical time for him to get the proper mental health that never came.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

I agree.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

​@hankdieselify You cannot FORCE people to get "care" especially when that "care" is such a failure so much of the time!

[@heatherbrenner8275]

I've been planning my own through hike of the Appalachian trail for a couple of years. I got real big into hiking and I love it. You can't really get big into the Appalachian trail without hearing the story of mostly harmless. It's pretty cool that you covered this

[@vicvega3614]

I was looking into the Pacific crest trail in California, do you hike a lot?

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Don't underestimate how remote the PCT is, so do your research. You will often be very far away from help and 'civilization'. ​@vicvega3614

[@heatherbrenner8275]

@@vicvega3614 I try to, but i also work alot. I was saving money for the AT but I ended up spending it all on living, due to smashing my car. But life goes on and I am sure the trail will be there when i am readu.

[@Rebecca-hc5ju]

I'm #7!! Yay!!🎊🎉🎊🎉💜 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. GRANDE!! I hope it's an amazing one!

[@JonathanDiNamesMusic]

You're on a roll with these vids Doc! Always happy to see a new upload. Happy Birthday

[@linkscape1957]

Some people are just quiet. Others are quiet and socially awkward. There are multiple disorders that can prevent people from developing fulfilling relationships. Not just schizoid personality but also Autism/Asbergers, etc. There are plenty of famous people quotes going around social media mentioning how smart people are often lonely. I just saw one today by Hemingway who took his own life. Also it's sometimes not just the person who can't develop relationships. He could be capable of developing relationships but he literally is so unique that what makes him tick doesn't work for anyone else. Looks could also be a factor. The best looking people can be stupid, mean, unlikeable, moody, narcissistic, controlling, etc and still always be in a relationship even if it isn't long lasting. Perhaps he sort of equated his life to the character in "Into the Wild." I'm surprised that wasn't mentioned. Perhaps he was influenced by him. This sort of problem with idealism meets the imperfections of society and flaws of those around you thing. Most people do whatever they want but they keep their idealism on the shelf next to the morals and wear them when the narrative fits or a mask is needed.

[@zour2361]

I highly appreciate your thorough research in all the cases you present! Interesting that you mention his overly complex coding style. I happened to have a difficult colleague of whom the same could be said. The fewer people understood the code, the more proud my colleague was of it and the more I tried to raise awareness, the worse it got. Other similiarities are circumorbital rings around the eyes and a problematic father.

[@1Gr8Editrix]

Happy BDay. This video was even more profound than usual, as we never know what goes on with anyone internally -- especially someone who puts up a good front but isn't quite normal.

[@millville]

charming but reckless!

[@nerd26373]

We appreciate your insights, Dr Grande. Keep up the good work.

[@susanyates8038]

🎉Happy B-Day Dr Grande. You are truly one of a kind!

[@maguffintop2596]

Ong! 1.4 million subs!! I was an original when you had about 10k. Great work!!

[@Blissfulnessence]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. GRANDE 🎉

[@wendyhenschel.]

I believe he starved to death. He kept giving his food supplies away to other hikers. Also another hiker said he gave them his water flask. He had no way to carry water and there was no food or water in his camp when they found him. He simply wasted away while on the trail.

[@susannegardner3148]

I’m pretty sure the vid says that there was plenty of food in his tent when he was found.

[@didihitanerve]

Rest in peace, Vance. I've always found you to be hauntingly beautiful.

[@simoneavedian6832]

Right?! Isn’t he gorgeous?

[@didihitanerve]

I only have eyes for my husband…and Vance 🤣🤣

[@iricandescence]

Happy birthday, Dr. Grande! Hope you have a marvelous year :)

[@lizmarie6811]

I always find your analysis to be informative ❤

[@blazefairchild465]

This is a very sad story ,I remember when the buzz about who he was showing up on hiking boards my son hiked the trail sometime before Vances tent was found I was thinking all the super weirdos wear those long black trench coats…then I remembered I had a long leather coat, I had forgotten I had ,way in the back of my winter closet since the movie the Matrix was a hit 😂😂

[@KaarinaKimdaly]

Bob Dylan song: 'The Man in the Long Black Coat'.

[@bernadettezelenski3491]

I hiked for 5 year and never once brought a cell phone or a watch. I went to be in nature.

[@jackhargreaves1911]

Vance looked happier on the trail than in his previous pictures. I hope that was the case, at least until the end.

[@freddoublestuff7403]

Happy Birthday! I love listening to your videos ❤️😊

[@catserver8577]

I followed the case for the duration of his story. I was glad he was identified, that is the least a human should be entitled to when they die unknown. I don't find him a "monster" just because he was allegedly at some point "violent". He clearly did not want to be social, well beyond being an introvert. I think what he was really doing was trying to get away from social life, and people kept insisting that he "try". Some people don't want to be social. The more he was pressured to socialize, the more he became unpleasant. He was just a introverted person who was unable to navigate today's weirdly immersive social environment. I am probably projecting, too, as I feel that way often. Can't imagine being someone with even more of an introverted personality and being forced into socializing. I mean really, someone finding the only way to get away from it is to shut themselves into a tent and just wait to die. I made a playlist in his memory after they IDed him, it's in my playlists. I probably won't watch the documentary, because I think some folks are probably overstating their importance in his story and inflating their role in his life and/or death. It's just a normal human reaction, I guess. BTW, I have followed a lot of missing persons cases, I tend to be interested because I suspect if I went missing my family would not launch an overwhelming effort to find me. Always wondered what happens when people go missing and no one really cares. Now I know, at least in some of the cases anyway. TLDR: Can relate to introversion, can't imagine it being to a mentally unhealthy level. RIP Mostly Harmless.

[@wmluna381]

"...was just...", "...just because..." F this guy.

[@SamuelSurbrook98]

Happy birthday 🎉🎊🎈🎂 Dr Grande. You really improved your video quality and content over the past day. This topic is very interesting 🤔. I’ve always wondered about this. I used to live in Florida for a short time so this one 1️⃣ hits close to home 🏠. Very interesting 🧐.

[@tycobb2580]

the real mystery is why he stopped eating

[@BustedFlush7096]

Happy Birthday, Dr. Grande!

[@krtierney]

Thank you sincerely for posting every day Doctor Grande. Most days, you are the best part of my day.

[@Sie.rr.a]

Ty for never doing ads with your videos

[@CMD4WP]

Thank you Dr Grande. If it is your birthday, Happy Birthday, all the best for the year ahead. Take Care, from Clare.

[@yamnjam]

Happy birthday Dr. Grande!

[@drctrs]

Dr. Grande should write a book about some really interesting and complex case. His literary depiction of this case is great in all aspects, it’s factual and dramatic, and poetic, but without overly dramatizing or poeticizing.

[@maciekillebrew2614]

This story was fascinating. Thank you. You left me with great ideas to ponder. You are a pleasure to watch and listen to. I starting watching you on day one and I am not a bit surprised at your 1.4M followers. Your content is reliable and throughly interesting. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@stevengreidinger8295]

So, what happened at the end? No cancer, heart attack, or infectious disease...Did he have a major depressive episode with catatonia and thusly starve himself? I am confused.

[@catserver8577]

They never really found out what the contributing factors were. They found allergy medicine in his system, and at that weight and with dehydration, probably caused organ failure. JMO.

[@HaileyDelaine]

I think so I’m from around Lafayette some of the articles I’ve read with interviews from past friends and roommates makes it’s seem that he significant history or such episodes. Having an episode like that in the elements and wildness it’s the most logical explanation. If you’ve ever witnessed this type of thing as I have it seem very plausible.

[@steveshea6148]

most likely a heart attack from dehydration and weakening of the heart muscle from long term malnutrition and wasting away,

[@1summerflower]

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare can cause extreme harm and are extremely difficult to heal from. 😪🙏🏼❤️

[@kevinmalone3210]

His story in a way, reminds me of Chris McCandless, who hiked his way across the US, then ended up in Alaska, and ended up starving to death. There was even a movie made about his life, called, Into The Wild. Both of these stories, ended in tragedy. It's the old saying, you can't escape your demons, by running away from home.

[@flapjackluvr]

Happy birthday, Dr. GRANDE!🎉

[@sarag.7156]

this "magic" he did on people worked even on ME: I live in Europe and a few years ago I read a newspaper article about this unknown corpse found in the woods. The picture of the man made me remember about a German man I knew back in the days, and the fact that no one in USA seemed to recognize him, and there were no missing reports reinforced my idea he was indeed German or European! I even wrote to an Italian tv program very active about missing people and cold cases. Then the solution.. I was totally wrong! So long Mostly Harmless.

[@katolson8802]

Gracias, Dr. Big!

[@richardshirley2786]

“Didn’t carry a cellphone?” He may have been better “adjusted” than the rest of us.

[@vickinoeske1154]

This analysis was so interesting and thought-provoking.

[@SmilingBeaver-ou7nc]

Happy Birthday Dr. Grande 🎉

[@sonjebianca2483]

Mostly Harmless was mostly broken. One of the many mishandled children who grow into adults unprepared to function among their peers. Sometimes they hide in fear and embarrassment, sometimes they lash out in anger and frustration and eventually they succumb to the deep void within. Everyone I’ve ever heard described as a “monster” started out as an unloved child.

[@emrakultheaeonstorn7430]

Thanks punk.. Finally someone gets it

[@neilrankin4133]

Great work on this one Dr.

[@m.f.richardson1602]

Always interesting Thank you ❤

[@misslannie73]

Happy birthday Dr Grande xx

[@commonsense2680]

Silence and mystery certainly captivates people. IF you remain a blank slate people invariably "imagine" whatever they want, or see their own reflection in that person thus feeling something like a bond, even though there is none. In some way, I feel like Vance did what a lot of people dream of (or maybe just me). To start you already have depression, and a bad attitude about life. Then as you age and all those lovely fairytales you heard of as a kid disappear and you are left with boring life, and mostly people you dislike. Then you fantasize about being completely alone, not having to interact with anyone. Unfortunately, wasting away and dying alone like Vance sounds so sad that is almost makes you look like you wasted your whole life. I have never known if I am an extravert or introvert (some of those "tests" peg me as introvert in my later years). I am "energized" by some people, but worn out by others. I don't know if others feel this way, but it's like having a love hate relationship with people. Sometimes I appreciate how interesting people are and what they can create, other times I am disgusted by the evil inside people and simply cannot relate to them at all and want to be alone.

[@KaarinaKimdaly]

I hear you, and I don't believe it is all projection, either. . .

[@discospiders]

Happy Birthday Dr G! 🎉

[@kellyharper367]

Very well presented!

[@mares3841]

Sounds like he met many kind people along the trail.