Author returns from 'mountain of the dead'
Keith McCloskey is part a Discovery Channel documentary to be screened on Channel 4 in July exploring one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 20th century.
The incident resulted in the deaths of nine ski hikers in the northern Ural mountains on the night of February 2, 1959.
Soviet investigators at the time determined only that ‘a compelling natural force’ had caused the deaths, which are shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Mr McCloskey is considered an expert on the subject which has puzzled and confounded investigators for decades.
Among the riddles are the fact that authorities barred the public from the area for three years following the tragedy, high levels of radiation found on some of the bodies, reports of mysterious lights in the sky and the fact that the victims tore open their tent from within before disrobing in freezing conditions.
The bodies were found in gruesome and bizarre circumstances.
Mr McCloskey said his book will reveal new evidence which, he claims, sheds new light on the bizarre incident – and even suggests a resolution.
He has previously travelled to Russia to research the mystery but said a colleague was warned off in ominous terms by the authorities.
Mr McCloskey said: “I have just returned from filming for the Discovery Channel in Lithuania where I acted as a consultant to the historical aspects of the Dyatlov Pass Incident.
“The production company saw my book on Amazon and phoned me asking if I could go over and act as an advisor for the filming which I was happy to do. The filming took place in three different locations in the countryside outside Vilnius.”
The book - ‘Mountain of the Dead: The Dyatlov Pass Incident’ - will be on sale from Amazon from July 1.
The documentary is scheduled to be screened on Channel Four the same month.
A Hollywood film is also in the pipeline.