Out of curiosity does anyone know of a single prominent figure that attempted to fake their own death and actually pulled it off for a period of time? We've all heard of the people that think Elvis never really died. But is there actually a case of someone faking their death?

Other than the guy who was engaged to Olivia Newton John I do not recall anyone doing so. Supposedly this guy has been hiding out in Mexico...but again, that could be a hoax.

No, Chris, I can't think of a single person who successfully faked their own death, unless they've faked it so successfully that we don't even know about it.

I know Kurt Vonnegut tried and failed to commit suicide in the 1980s, but his was an obvious failure, which he ironically quipped about how failing at suicide was the ultimate failure. He, sadly, died in 2007, and he is unfortunately, still very dead. I truly wept when I heard of his death. The world is worse off without him in it. I don't think I can say the same about Michael Jackson, though, no offense to any who might be die hard fans.

Chris O'C wrote:

Out of curiosity does anyone know of a single prominent figure that attempted to fake their own death and actually pulled it off for a period of time?

Yes, Chris, it is called Pseudocide!! (OOOhh I love that!!)


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/639098.stm

Ken Kesey was arrested for possession of marijuana in 1965. In an attempt to mislead police, he faked suicide by having friends leave his truck on a cliffside road near Eureka, along with an elaborate suicide note, written by the Pranksters. Kesey fled to Mexico in the back of a friend's car. When he returned to the United States eight months later, Kesey was arrested and sent to the San Mateo County jail in Redwood City, California, for five months.

"Lord" Timothy Dexter, an eccentric 18th century New England businessman who faked his own death in order to see how people would react. His wife did not shed any tears at the wake, and as a result he caned her for not being sufficiently saddened at his passing.

those were both from wikipedia

So, still none that were truly "successful."

bleachededen wrote:So, still none that were truly "successful."

Ah, to be "successful" in faking your own death, no one would ever know about it.

Exactly!

true. once people know, it fails.

What about Jesus? He has to be the most successful death faker of all time.