Obituaries

Treasure Hunt Led Batavia Man On Fatal Yellowstone Hike: Report

Jeff Murphy, 53 was likely looking for the storied Forrest Fenn treasure, rumored to be worth millions.

BATAVIA, IL — Authorities say a Batavia man who fell to his death in Yellowstone National Park in 2017 was likely in search of an elusive cache of treasure. An obscure poem about a hidden treasure may have been the inspiration for Jeff Murphy, a 53-year-old husband and father before he tragically fell down a 500-ft slope, according to KULR-TV.

Murphy's wife reportedly called Yellowstone officials on June 8, 2017 to report that her husband was missing after he had gone out in search of the treasure alluded to in a popular poem written by a wealthy arts dealer Forrest Fenn. Murphy's body was discovered on June 9, 2017, but the details of his death had remained under wraps until KULR uncovered them via a Freedom of Information Act request.

Officials ruled that Murphy's death was accidental.

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KULR adds that Murphy had emailed Fenn before setting out, another hint that Fenn's storied treasure was the impetus for the hike that took Murphy's life.

Murphy is the fourth person who died while looking for Fenn's treasure, NPR reports. The legendary multi-million dollar treasure is rumored to be enclosed in a small box filled with gold and jewels. In his poem, Fenn lays out vague, but intriguing hints about how to find the treasure, leaving any avid hiker with a feeling of wanderlust.

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The Thrill of the Chase by Forest Fenn

As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.

Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.

From there it's no place for the meek,
The end is ever drawing nigh;
There'll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.

If you've been wise and found the blaze,

Look quickly down, your quest to cease,
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.

So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answers I already know,
I've done it tired, and now I'm weak.

So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.

Murphy was survived by his wife and two children, his parents, and sisters.

>>Image via GoFundMe


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