Identified! FL - Big Cypress Natl Preserve, Male hiker, "Denim" & "Mostly Harmless", Jul 2018 - Vance Rodriguez

[Coffee56]

There is an interesting post on MH’s unidentified FB page. I’m hesitant to share because that page isn’t particularly reliable. I did find the info within the post interesting but not sure how valid it is. The timeframe is way off and I’m not sure why someone would remember someone’s birthday that “came through” many years ago. Info within contains name, DOB, some info on a sister, and a little back ground. I’ll be diving in. I have a screen shot and link if anyone is interested in joining me down the rabbit hole.

A photo has been posted. I would say no.

 

[Coffee56]

There is an interesting post on MH’s unidentified FB page. I’m hesitant to share because that page isn’t particularly reliable. I did find the info within the post interesting but not sure how valid it is. The timeframe is way off and I’m not sure why someone would remember someone’s birthday that “came through” many years ago. Info within contains name, DOB, some info on a sister, and a little back ground. I’ll be diving in. I have a screen shot and link if anyone is interested in joining me down the rabbit hole.

A photo has been posted. I would say no.

FB is off limits here. Regardless, that isn't MH. Too old and doesn't look like him.

And I agree after the seeing photo. And I know the rules which is why I shared nothing on the post. But I will always go down every rabbit hole.

 

[Catmommy]

Just a thought that suddenly came to mind and merely that, not even an opinion, but what if our unknown traveler was never married, had no children, an only son whose parents and only sister had already crossed over? What if he decided to join them in what-comes-next hence the COD of starvation? What if his story isn't a tragedy at all but a celebration of him "going home"? Just a thought ....

 

[SugarQueen]

Just a thought that suddenly came to mind and merely that, not even an opinion, but what if our unknown traveler was never married, had no children, an only son whose parents and only sister had already crossed over? What if he decided to join them in what-comes-next hence the COD of starvation? What if his story isn't a tragedy at all but a celebration of him "going home"? Just a thought ....

What squashes that theory for me is the notebook. He was writing game code, writing about nutrition bars, and I believe a hiking app (?). He had plans. I don’t imagine him doing that if he wanted to die. I also cant image someone planning to starve themselves to death out in the woods.

 

[Catmommy]

But he did starve himself out in the woods. That is a statement of fact. The notebook only indicates that he had an intensely functioning mind. This was a way to pass the time on the trail. Creative people seek outlets for their creativity. And even people with "plans" die, sometimes by their own hand. My opinion and thoughts on this only.

 

[fred&edna]

I think he became ill along the way (bacteria in water or some other source) causing stomach/intestinal issues. I believe he thought the sickness would pass and so he just continued on. Maybe there was a type of IBS cycle... constipation, loss of appetite, weakness... which finally became debilitating. He became too weak (and dehydrated) to seek help.

jmo

 

[GatorFL]

I think he became ill along the way (bacteria in water or some other source) causing stomach/intestinal issues. I believe he thought the sickness would pass and so he just continued on. Maybe there was a type of IBS cycle... constipation, loss of appetite, weakness... which finally became debilitating. He became too weak (and dehydrated) to seek help.

jmo

Except he was drinking, died with a full bladder and most intestinal issues make you have diarrhea. He didn't, full colon.

 

[branmuffin]

It is not a signature that wants to be read and comprehended IMO

I don't think we can deduce anything by the signature. Most people's signature evolves over time and can become barely legible. My husband's signature is a "J" then a squiggly line. No one on earth could figure out what his name is by his signature but because it can be found on many documents he's signed over the years, passports, driver's license, mortgages, etc. it's considered authentic.

 

[iamnotagolem]

I disagree with your first sentence. By the time he died he was without a doubt among the most experienced hikers in the entire country. You're blanketing his entire time on the trail as an amateur and that is flat out wrong.

I do agree that in today's society, people are bombarded with news and information and so certain noteworthy events fall through the cracks. I am not surprised MH is largely unknown. Case in point, I traveled last week to hike a section the Rockies. In the limited time I had to look at the news I followed a football game (Go Gators) and nothing else. I flew back today into the remnants of Hurricane Eta and I just heard this evening Alex Trebek died. Neither were expected. I would counter argue the amount of coverage, publicity and community feedback CCSO has gotten on MH is well beyond the norm.

I think you misunderstood what I was getting at. He wasn’t a hiker when he started, so anyone who knew him and his name would never think of him as a hiker.

Example: my brother goes missing tomorrow, he’s never hiked in his life. In 2 years his body is found and discussed among hiking communities and all anyone knows about him is that he hiked. Well no one in his family ever knew him to hike.

That was my point. Hopefully that’s a littler clearer.

 

[Curious_in_NC]

To someone from NY (or even NC... ), the Big Cypress environment in summer sounds pretty inhospitable. But if MH was raised near Baton Rouge, swamps and alligators might have seemed all too familiar. UL Lafayette, just west of Baton Rouge, even features a gator pond in the middle of its campus. There's plenty of swamps near there.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this thought, but maybe stopping at Big Cypress wasn't such a random place for MH to pause and there was something about the locale and surroundings that might have provided some comfort.

 

[GatorFL]

I think you misunderstood what I was getting at. He wasn’t a hiker when he started, so anyone who knew him and his name would never think of him as a hiker.

Example: my brother goes missing tomorrow, he’s never hiked in his life. In 2 years his body is found and discussed among hiking communities and all anyone knows about him is that he hiked. Well no one in his family ever knew him to hike.

That was my point. Hopefully that’s a littler clearer.

Yes, a bit clearer. Thanks for the reply.

 

[GatorFL]

To someone from NY (or even NC... ), the Big Cypress environment in summer sounds pretty inhospitable. But if MH was raised near Baton Rouge, swamps and alligators might have seemed all too familiar. UL Lafayette, just west of Baton Rouge, even features a gator pond in the middle of its campus. There's plenty of swamps near there.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this thought, but maybe stopping at Big Cypress wasn't such a random place for MH to pause and there was something about the locale and surroundings that might have provided some comfort.

Lots of swamps throughout Louisiana.

 

[Curious_in_NC]

Given the new level of interest in MH from the Wired article, is there any reason why we're still missing details from CCSO on the other belongings found with him in the tent? IIRC there was no description of his pack, winter coat, or other belongings that could have added up to 45+ lbs.

 

[UnlicensedPI]

To someone from NY (or even NC... ), the Big Cypress environment in summer sounds pretty inhospitable. But if MH was raised near Baton Rouge, swamps and alligators might have seemed all too familiar. UL Lafayette, just west of Baton Rouge, even features a gator pond in the middle of its campus. There's plenty of swamps near there.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this thought, but maybe stopping at Big Cypress wasn't such a random place for MH to pause and there was something about the locale and surroundings that might have provided some comfort.

That's a good point I've never considered. We're all wondering why he'd be camping in Florida in the summer. If he was from Louisiana, it may not have been as intimidating to him as it would be to someone like me, a New Englander.

 

[GatorFL]

Given the new level of interest in MH from the Wired article, is there any reason why we're still missing details from CCSO on the other belongings found with him in the tent? IIRC there was no description of his pack, winter coat, or other belongings that could have added up to 45+ lbs.

I have the case file and it is woefully flimsy on what was found with him. The stuff that was found looks like it would weigh quite a bit. The tent itself was over 4#, plus pad and sleeping bag probably another 3#. All three and you're already over 10% of the estimated carry weight of 50#.

 

[GatorFL]

That's a good point I've never considered. We're all wondering why he'd be camping in Florida in the summer. If he was from Louisiana, it may not have been as intimidating to him as it would be to someone like me, a New Englander.

The heat isn't the bad part, it's the rain. It was dryer a couple of years ago, there were fires in Big Cypress when he was there. And of course it was raining when he was found dead. In other words there were other obstacles that made hiking and camping where he was more difficult.

Here we are in November and between COVID and the rain I have not yet hiked with my local FTA group since February. I was on the list for last weekend's hike but I gave up my spot to someone else because I was traveling. Hike ended up being cancelled because of Tropical Storm Eta.

If the weather is decent I am planning to hike to Nobles this Sunday.

 

[fred&edna]

Except he was drinking, died with a full bladder and most intestinal issues make you have diarrhea. He didn't, full colon.

I don't remember that he had a "full bladder" just that urine was dark (often an indicator of dehydration). However, I haven't read the report in quite awhile.

 

[Catmommy]

Unless you've actually lived in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and/or coastal Texas, the humidity can be UNBELIEVABLE. There is no way to get accustomed to moving around during the hot months (most of them in these areas) while wearing a sopping wet warm sweater - close to what it feels like only not as pleasant as that. It's hard to explain and will always be underestimated by those who have yet to experience it. Not opinion, fact. Also the skeeters and biting flies are unmerciful certain times or year. I do think that a beleaguered individual would definitely choose to hole up and wait for better conditions whenever they came about. MH/D didn't seem to be on anybody's schedule but his own.

 

[folieadeuxnola]

To someone from NY (or even NC... ), the Big Cypress environment in summer sounds pretty inhospitable. But if MH was raised near Baton Rouge, swamps and alligators might have seemed all too familiar. UL Lafayette, just west of Baton Rouge, even features a gator pond in the middle of its campus. There's plenty of swamps near there.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this thought, but maybe stopping at Big Cypress wasn't such a random place for MH to pause and there was something about the locale and surroundings that might have provided some comfort.

Never thought about this till now, has anyone checked or at least circled around the FB groups for Southeastern College in Hammond. I know a lot of people whom went there its sits between East Baton Rouge and Covington.

MH always reminded me of someone from the Bunkie, LA area esp checks, eyes and nose. In all I'm sure their in heavy gene research mode and may already have the clues to where he may be from and possibly already have an ID. It's just Sit and wait time ....

 

[folieadeuxnola]

Unless you've actually lived in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and/or coastal Texas, the humidity can be UNBELIEVABLE. There is no way to get accustomed to moving around during the hot months (most of them in these areas) while wearing a sopping wet warm sweater - close to what it feels like only not as pleasant as that. It's hard to explain and will always be underestimated by those who have yet to experience it. Not opinion, fact. Also the skeeters and biting flies are unmerciful certain times or year. I do think that a beleaguered individual would definitely choose to hole up and wait for better conditions whenever they came about. MH/D didn't seem to be on anybody's schedule but his own.

On that note the humidity is 93% today in NOLA and its November.

Not everyone can handle the humidity and that is a fact ..... many from the Northern regions smolder here. The heaviest months for humidity are July and August in all I can see your reasoning and thoughts on the sweating humidity factors of possiblity.