The Top Cryptozoology Deaths of 2021

by Loren Coleman, Cryptozoology A to Z

Director, International Cryptozoology Museum

The days in the North are growing longer and darker as we reflect on the deceased people of 2021 whose lives have been touched by cryptozoology and cryptids, who produced the books we read on monsters and Bigfoot, and those who have touched others.

The year of 2021 continued the awfulness of the pandemic, and death surrounded us, even in cryptozoology.

During this troubling 12 months cryptozoology and hominology saw some well-known and lesser-known figures die. All deaths are deeply experienced, and we pause to remember those who have passed away, with respect for them, their families, and for all they shared and created. Some very old folks passed away, and some surprisingly young people too. Cryptozoologists and cryptid fieldworkers, cryptomovie stars, media folks and popular culturists are recalled here for our annual goodbye and celebration of these 13 lives. (Click on each individual’s name for more data.)

Wu Xinzhi, 93, Chinese paleoanthropogist and Yeren researcher

June 2, 1928 – December 4, 2021

Arlene Gaal, 84, Ogopogo Researcher 

February 22, 1937 – November 7, 2021

Michael Newton, 69, Cryptozoology Author

September 16, 1951 – September 6, 2021

Skylaire Alfvegran, 44, Fortean Writer

April 9, 1977 – August 27, 2021

Michael Meraz, 63, Bluff Creek Project Member

December 30, 1957 – July 31, 2021

Scott Mardis, 57, Champ Cryptozoologist

December 28, 1963 – July 28, 2021

Cliff Olson, 88, Oregon Bigfooter

November 26, 1938 – July 22, 2021

Marie-Jeanne Hoffmann, 101, Almasty Researcher 

July 19, 1919 – July 11, 2021

Paul A. Smith, 67, Bigfoot Artist 

September 4, 1953 – June 27, 2021

Pat Sparks, 84, Whitehall Bigfoot Guardian

July 8, 1936 – June 4, 2021

Timothy Green Beckley, 69, Weird and Creature Publisher

March 4, 1952 – May 31, 2021

Di Francis, 77, Mystery Cat Researcher/Author

May 20, 1943 – March 15, 2021

Joan Weldon, 90, cryptofiction actress

August 5, 1930 – February 11, 2021