Alex McCandless, the subject of Jon Krakauer’s book and the subsequent film “Into the Wild,” died at the age of 24. His body was discovered in an abandoned bus in the Alaskan wilderness in September 1992. This article explores the mystery surrounding his death, focusing on the evolving theories about what caused this young adventurer’s untimely demise.
The Mystery of McCandless’s Death in the Alaskan Wild
McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness captured the imagination of many, but it tragically ended in his death. Initially, starvation was widely accepted as the cause. However, Jon Krakauer, the author of “Into the Wild,” investigated the circumstances further, leading to a more complex understanding of McCandless’s final days.
(alt text: A rusty abandoned bus in the Alaskan wilderness surrounded by fall foliage, known as the “Magic Bus”, where Chris McCandless died.)
Krakauer initially suspected that McCandless had mistakenly eaten the seeds of the wild sweet pea (Hedysarum mackenzii), a plant often confused with the edible wild potato but thought to be toxic. This theory was based on McCandless’s journal entries detailing his foraging activities and his declining health.
However, further research cast doubt on this initial hypothesis. McCandless had access to a detailed field guide on edible plants, which clearly distinguished the wild potato from the toxic wild sweet pea. It seemed unlikely he would make such a fundamental error.
(alt text: Close-up photograph showcasing the delicate purple flowers and green foliage of the Hedysarum alpinum plant, often mistaken for wild potato.)
Scientific analysis of wild potato seeds by Dr. Thomas Clausen, a biochemist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, revealed no toxins. This further complicated the mystery, leaving Krakauer searching for an explanation that aligned with both the scientific evidence and McCandless’s journal entries.
A New Theory Emerges: ODAP Poisoning
Years later, a new theory emerged, proposed by Ronald Hamilton, a writer who had researched the history of Vapniarca, a World War II concentration camp. Hamilton’s research led him to believe that McCandless had died from poisoning by ODAP (beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,beta-diaminopropionic acid), a neurotoxin found in certain plants, including the wild potato (Hedysarum alpinum).
Hamilton argued that while the wild potato is generally considered safe, certain conditions, such as prolonged consumption or specific environmental factors, can increase ODAP levels, making the plant toxic. He connected this to accounts of starvation and paralysis in the Vapniarca concentration camp, potentially linked to consumption of ODAP-containing seeds. This theory offered a plausible explanation for McCandless’s deteriorating condition and explicit journal entries about the “fault of pot[ato] seed.” It also supported the idea that McCandless, despite his tragic end, was not as reckless or ill-prepared as some critics had suggested.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
While the exact cause of Alex McCandless’s death remains a subject of discussion, the prevailing theory points towards ODAP poisoning from consuming wild potato seeds. His story continues to fascinate and inspire debate about the allure of the wild, the importance of preparedness, and the fragility of life. McCandless’s journey, though ultimately tragic, serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the enduring human desire for exploration and self-discovery. He was 24 years old at the time of his death.
