They range from the mundane (avalanche) to the insane (aliens). Unsurprisingly, there have been many different theories as to the fate of young Igor Dyatlov and his eight companions.

Like something you might hear on Coast to Coast A.M., when you’re driving cross country late at night, and all the rest of the world is asleep. Of course, since this was the Soviet Union – land of nuclear mishaps – some of the hikers’ clothing showed signs of radiation. Six of the hikers had succumbed to hypothermia, but others showed signs of head trauma. Despite ample supplies, the hikers’ bodies were found outside the tent only partially dressed. When searchers went looking for them, they discovered a distressing scene. In February 1959, nine Russian hikers ventured into the Ural Mountains and never returned. ĝonnie Eichar, Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident Though its twin poles stand obediently in the wind, a section of the tarpaulin has surrendered under the weight of recent snows…” As they draw closer, they find a flapping tent. But then, through the disorienting blur, the men spy something that is neither rock nor tree – a dark, gray shape. It looks as if it may be another day lost. Though the morning had given them clear skis, threatening clouds have since collected, and the wind is already whipping snow from the ground in prelude to a storm. Weather conditions are volatile in the northern Urals – snow can fly in fast and thick without warning, and hurricane-force winds are a persistent menace.

The searchers don’t have much time before they must turn around and rejoin the rest of the team at base camp.

Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar