We’ve all heard of people faking their deaths and later being found to be alive. Some do it for attention, others as a publicity stunt, and others to just get out of the spotlight, but in the end realize they soon return to the spotlight. In any case, people who intentionally go “missing” are usually found guilty or some other crime.
We’ve all probably heard of conspiracies and skeptics as well. Put death and skepticism together and what do you get? A bunch of conspirators that start to believe people who are more than likely dead are actually alive and well. Crazy or not, there are people who believe others said to be dead just may be alive. Here is a list of ten people who have become the center of fake death conspiracies.
10. Alexander I of Russia (12/23/1777 – 11/19/1825)
Alexander I was able to start off as a successful king, but due to family circumstances, he soon became very suspicious and paranoid of others. In 1825 Alexander was on a trip to the Crimea during the winter when he developed a cold that turned into typhus and in the end killed him. He died suddenly and was given a funeral with a closed casket. Because of his sudden death, many found the circumstances of his death to be questionable. Many believed he wanted to give up the throne quietly and that this was his cover up to do so. Some think he took on the name Feodor Kuzmich and became a hermit. To add even more suspense, in 1925 Alexander’s tomb was open, but a body was not found.
9. Princess Diana of Wales (07/01/1961 – 08/31/1997)
Born into royalty, Princess Diana was most definitely a member of the royal family who was able to become a worldwide icon, bringing the issue of AIDS awareness and treatment to the forefront. Married to Prince Charles of Wales with two sons, Diana’s life seemed great. However, on August 31, Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed, her rumored boyfriend, were killed in a crash after the car they were in slammed into a road tunnel in Paris. The driver was told to take that route to avoid paparazzi. Not only do people conspire about her death, some believing it was a plot by the M16 acting on orders from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, but others believe she isn’t dead at all. Pictures have floated around of a suspected Diana in a wheelchair who is said to be pregnant with Al-Fayed’s child. However, with over 2.5 million people viewing the funeral, most believe she is dead.
8. Jim Morrison (12/08/1943 – 07/03/1971)
Known for being the front man of The Doors, Jim Morrison definitely became a popular artist in the 1960s. After moving to Paris to an apartment, Morrison became a fan of the city and soon began to write poems. During this time Morrison changed his appearance by growing a beard and was becoming depressed. On July 3 he was found dead in a bathtub, but no autopsy was completed as there was no sign of foul play. He was buried in a sealed casket, and the death certificate stated that a heart attack killed him. However, no one knows exactly how Morrison died. His girlfriend claimed he was using cocaine and heroin and possibly had a hemorrhage, while others blame a respiratory infection. Many have claimed to have seen Morrison boarding a plane before he was reported dead, insisting that he was looking to run away.
7. D.B. Cooper (Vanished 11/24/1971)
D.B. Cooper is one that many probably don’t expect on this list, but he has an interesting story, and the conspiracies surrounding his death are just as buzzworthy. D.B. Cooper, first thought to be Dan Cooper, hijacked a Boeing 727 aircraft on November 24 and demanded a random of $200,000 which he received. He then parachuted from the plane, and hasn’t been seen since. After jumping, no one has heard of, seen, or come into contact with D.B. Cooper. There is no evidence claiming that he is alive or dead, or any evidence of who the man really was. The money has yet to be recovered, but the FBI in he past years has released new evidence, but the Agency does believe he is dead. Some claim that he is still alive and is in hiding.
6. Amelia Earhart (07/24/1897 – declared dead on 01/05/1939)
Amelia Earhart stands as one of the most notable women when it comes to pioneering early aviation. Despite being a woman, Earhart earned awards for becoming the first female to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone. In 1937, she set off to circumnavigate the globe in her airplane, but she soon disappeared when flying over the Pacific Ocean, specifically near Howland Island. Aviators believe that Earhart’s plane ran out of fuel and she pulled the crash and sink method. However, some believe she was spying on Japan in the Pacific, captured and executed when her plane crashed in Japanese territory, or that she decided to assume a new identity. Some have claimed to have seen her in Japan.
5. Adolf Hitler (04/20/1889 – 04/30/1945)
Dying due to cyanide poisoning by his own hands, Hitler declared he would not live the same fate as Benito Mussolini. After committing suicide along with his wife of one day, his body was found and buried in a secret location in Magdeburg, but was then exhumed and his ashes throw into the Elbe River. Joseph Stalin stated that Hitler may have escaped to Argentina or Spain, while others believed the Germans were trying to conceal Hitler’s escape to the underground. Despite the use of dental records to positively identify Hitler, many still believe he is alive. Some have even claimed multiple sightings of him.
4. Michael Jackson (08/29/1958 – 06/25/2009)
The most recent death on this list, Michael Jackson became known as the King of Pop and for decades provided music for his fans. Though his death is still a mystery today, it’s safe to say that he is dead. Though the exact cause of death is not yet known, many speculate that an overdose of pain or an anesthetic drug used to help him sleep is what killed Jackson. However, many at first and still believe that he isn’t dead, due to the lack of autopsy answers, and the possible fact that he may not have been buried yet. Some are skeptical and believe that his gold plated casket was empty, claiming that he is still alive and planned a publicity stunt.
3. Tupac Shakur (06/16/1971 – 09/13/1996)
Today Tupac Shakur’s death remains a mystery. He was a rapper who was killed in a drive by shooting. Because of the questions and circumstances surrounding his death, many believe he is alive. Skeptics claim that they have reason to doubt Tupac is dead because of the fact that eight of his records were released after his reported death and lyrics of his involving a man being shot but then resurrected. Magazines and popular celebrity gossip websites have claimed to have spotted and taken pictures of Tupac. The most recent is a picture of supposed Tupac drinking in Bourbon Street.
2. Grand Duchess Anastasia (07/18/1901 – 07/17/1918)
As the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, many would think Anastasia would have had a luxurious long life. However, her and her family was murdered by the Bolshevik secret police as a means to end the Romanov rule in Russia. The bodies were shot and then burned, but there was no trace of Anastasia’s DNA. Many believed she must have escaped somehow due to lack of some sort of identification of her body. Since no real proof of her death had come to light, many women have falsely identified themselves as Anastasia, the most well known being Anna Anderson. In March 2009, Dr. Michael Coble stated that DNA of all four Duchesses has been tested and found.
1. Elvis Presley (01/08/1935 – 08/16/1977)
Elvis Presley, said to be the King of Rock ‘n Roll was found dead in his own bathroom by his fiancée and his death was ruled to be due to an overdose of medication. He was buried at Graceland next to his mother. Despite being declared dead, many around the world claim that there is no way he can be dead. Some say his middle name is spelled wrong on his grave while others claim that a wax body was put inside the coffin. Some believe Elvis was in a position to fake his death, as he became in debt to someone possibly linked to the Mafia. Other people have claimed to have even seen Elvis in multiple places, the most noted being places in Tennessee.
72 Comments
Hitler didn’t die of cyanide poisoning, he shot himself in the head….
What about Harry Reid? I’ve heard reports that he’s actually been seen whining on TV.
Lord Lucan, Jimmy Hoffa….
‘Despite being a woman, Earhart earned awards for becoming the first female to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone.’
DESPITE being a woman?
How exactly was she supposed to win an award for being the first woman, if she wasn’t a woman?
What a stupid, sexist sentence.
In 1962 Frank Morris and John and Clarence Anglin escaped Alcatraz Island and presumably drowned in San Francisco Bay. However, their bodies were never found and the Mythbusters successfully recreated their escape using the same materials that the trio used to escape proving that it was indeed feasible for them to have survived.
Lindberg Baby (not sure if he qualifies for this lis).
What about Barney Frank?
Anastasia and her little brother, Alexei, were not found in the initial grave dug up in 1991 (although some suspect the missing girls as in fact, her sister Maria.) The remains of two burn and fragmented individuals were found in August of 2007 and identified in 2008 and 2009. So indeed the Romanov mystery is solved.
I knew tupac would be in this :3..
Well done tho’. 😀
AMELIA EARHAERT IS DEAAAD . ITS BEEN CENTURIES
“Princess” Diana was not born into royalty, she married into it. And she was only endearingly referred to as Princess by the general public. In truth her title would have been the Duchess of Wales, as her husband was the Prince of Wales (heir to the throne of England). Anyone who marries into the Royal Family can not posess the title of Princess, Prince, King, or Queen, as is noted by Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Philip.
You’re right about Diana not being born into royalty. Her father was an earl. You’re wrong about titles. A woman marrying into the royal family takes her husband’s title in its feminine form. Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex and so forth. In fact this applies across the board, starting with Mrs. (husband’s name) up to a woman marrying a king becomes Queen Whoever (Duchess of Cornwall excepted). Philip was born a prince, grandson of a king of Greece and marrying Elizabeth didn’t/couldn’t change that
It has been reported that Jimmy Carter is still alive and living somewhere in the Okefenokee Swamp with a killer rabbit.
James Dean. Supposedly he survived and is in a midwest hospital a vegetable.
Hey….How about Victor Tsoy? He is a famous singer and a cult personality in the entire post-sovetic space!!!!!!! By the way…I really like this site….Good work!!!!!!! Greetings from Ukraine!!!!!!!
I guess you meant to say ransom instead of random in D.B Cooper
Mark-You’re correct to be doubtful. I’m 70-years-old and I’ve never been a conspiracy buff in my life until the events of 9-11—Any thinking person would have to question the holes in that event. It was stated several times as fact that bin laden had to carry a heavy portable dialysis machine around with him when they said he was hiding out in the Tora Bora Mountains. But yet when the Seals burst into his Pakistan apartment he makes a mad dash for a weapon (hard to do strapped to a dialysis machine)–And then low and behold, a short time later these same Seals (Team Six) are in a helicopter that is shot down over Afghanistan and all are killed.
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CBS News: August 6,2011
A helicopter was shot down today by Afghan insurgents as it was rushing to aid troops in a firefight, killing 30 Americans, including 22 Navy SEALs, most of whom belonged to Team 6, the unit whose members were involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, U.S. officials said.
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This has nothing to do with the Seals. I was never a Seal but I was in the US Navy and we worked with them from time to time. They are an elite,tough,honorable group. But I now take anything the government says with a grain of salt.
bin Laden died in 2002 from kidney failure-He ain’t coming back
If Osama Bin Laden did die in 2002, then who was it who popped every now and again, taunting Bush? A double? Saddam Hussein remember, had all these doubles. In films of Osama Bin Laden, one has a different chin, and in another his beard was dyed black. so yeah it`s possible. And now everyone has seen that film of him watching himself on telly. Why would someone want to film themselves watching telly? The only time Osama Bin Laden appeared, was when he appeared as if he was a newsreader, or when he sent messages on radio. Like the 2004 election, and when the Pope said something that drove Muslims crazy. Something isn`t right. I don`t like conspiracy theories, but come on.
I’m a 71-year-old veteran who has never believed in conspiracy theories until September 11th 2001. I’ve watched several buildings come straight down from expertly placed explosives causing an “implosion” that causes the building to collapse on itself. And those buildings came down by implosions. There’s been nothing but lies from Washington since the first Bush and it continues today.
I believe within my whole heart this was a conspiracy. The building had some kind of explosives in it for it to come down as straight as it did. And nobody can’t tell me other wise. And talking about conspiracies, JFK, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Robert Kennedy, Roswell, UFO’s, (I’ve seen 4). Bigfoot, etc. The government is keeping so much from us. And what about the Concentration Camps that they have and building in the good ole’ USA. Wake up people!! And to the Government We Aren’t As Dumb As You Think We Are !!! Tell the truth. Which I Know will Never Happen !!!!
Osama Bin Laden? Seriously. Yeah, people say, “We took him out,” did they show any photos? They showed photos of two other people who were killed in his evil lair, so why didn`t they show Osama Bin Laden? And don`t give me, “we didn`t want to offend Muslims,” or, “the images are pretty gruesome.” They showed Che, Pablo Escobar, Saddam Hussein being lynched, his two dead sons, they showed that guy in Iraq who`s name began with Z, they showed Gaddafi being set upon by a mob, etc. So why no Osama Bin Laden?
No,I have nothing to say. No one is alive. Only Jesus Christ was alive. Man is called to die just once and after to the judgement.
I wish this would be true, but would they ever come back into the spotlight!? but why should they Fake their Dead? what about their family!? did anyone EVER done this? i don’t think so..
I miss Elvis Presley so much..
Rasputin, anyone?
I miss michael jackson so much……
🙁
I KNEW Elvis would make the top of this list!
http://www.midwestguest.com/2009/07/photo-friday-motown-remembers-michael-jackson.html
Considering that there hasn’t been a picture of Michael Jackson’s /actual/ tombstone (only the cheap one used for his memorial by Motown that you posted), it’s no wonder that people are starting controversy around it.
Jesus Should have been on this list, since his body was replaced by someone who looked like him. just wanted to mention.
If Elvis is alive I wouldn't mind finding him and asking him to sing me a song
What do you mean "Despite being a woman……" for Amelia Earhart!
What about Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana? IF any two have faked their deaths it's these two!! Think about it.
Haha yeah I saw this on Conan, too and then decided to google it.
Nice list!
What about Jesus? Or the "wandering Jew"?
Where ever did Jimmy Hoffa go?
where is the "lord" jesus christ ?
Yes, my friend, Jesus is Lord, He is God! He was dead, but now is alive and He will come again to take home (heaven) those who repented of their sins and let Him change their hearts and to judge those who didn’t let Him be their personal Saviour and Lord. My friend, where will you be then? I hope you will be among His children! Please, give Him your life today, don’t mock Him, because God cannot be mocked. What we sow, we will reap.
Life without Jesus is not worth living, because it’s in vain, it leads to eternal hell. With Jesus in our lives, we have a purpose for this life and for the afterlife – to love and serve Him and others above ourselves – I still have a lot to work on that, but only He can give me victory.
Blessings from Him!
Andreea
No Bruce Lee either! Geez.
I think this was just referenced on Conan O'Brien…
That would be very cool, indeed. Can any substantiate this? And if it was mentioned on Conan in what way?
:O Really?
I saw that, actually. In the monologue, Conan made a reference to how a list had been made about the top ten dead people thought to still be alive, and said that Elvis was number one, then he made a joke about Keith Richards or something. It seems to me like this might be what he was referring to. Check out Hulu or the tonight show website. I think they post full episodes. It was the Tuesday night show.
Yes, I found it on Hulu. If you care you can see the mention at this link: http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/video/e…
If you fast forward to the 6:38 mark you will see it. No direct mention but the timing seems to suggest this site. Woo Hoo!
:O That's exciting!!!!!!! I feel special.
The first name that came to my mind when I saw the title of this list was William H. Bonney, AKA Billy the Kid. Surprised he wasn't included.
Great collection. Well done!
Thank you dacournean. I really appreciate the compliment! Thank you for reading. 🙂
DB Cooper is my hero, it was a classic plan that was just crazy enough to work!
dammit, i really REALLY miss the Weekly World News.
It was great fun for wrapping presents.
I grew up in Port Angeles, Washington, which is located in the Pacific Northwest at the very northwest corner of the continental U.S. Fifteen miles east of Port Angeles is the small town of Sequim. Growing up, I had many friends from Sequim that claim one of their high school teachers was D.B. Cooper. I talked to a couple different people who were convinced of it because they claim he would discuss Cooper often and had detailed knowledge of the hijacking and supposed escape route. Never met the individual, but an interesting story, Sequim, Washington would be a good place to hide out.
Oh, well that's interesting! Makes you wonder.
I had Dan Cooper for a teacher back in high school. He tells everyone the story because he was on a plane that day and was arrested and questioned. And let go. Great teacher, one of my favorites. Doubtful he was thee DB, but I suppose anything is possible. Itd be a great cover.
Andy Kaufman?
I had him on my list as an honorable mention, I think TopTenz omitted them though.
Hello? What about Walt Disney? He's supposed to be frozen.
I think he's dead..never heard rumors he's alive.
Can't believe Jesus Christ didn't make it onto this list. What's with that omission Ash?
Because I really didn't want to make this some controversial list, but I knew someone would bring Jesus up at some point, just like every other list. I don't have a good reason, just didn't 🙂
The article assumes that these folks never really died…
If you are going to bring up Jesus Christ then you’ll have to include Osirir (Egyptian Mythology); Asclepius (Greek Mythology); Elisha raises the son of a Shunummite woman (Judaism) and Puhua (Zen-Buddahism).
Actually we can talk about Jesus without including anyone else.
Jesus’ rising is just CHRISTIAN mythology and no different than Greeks, Romans, Norse, Judaism, Budahism, Islam, etc.
“Nobody talks so constantly about God as those who insist that there is no God”. — Heywood Broun
Broun was correct. Atheist can’t stop talking about God. He’s on their mind around the clock. That’s fine with me. It’s just sorta strange.
So are you suggesting that Alexander I is actually still alive?
No. I'm saying in his own time, many believed he was still alive after he was said to be dead.
Alexander I really is still alive. Any unbeliever is just fooling themselves.
Everyone forgets Al Gore on these lists
no paul mccartney?
sorry, my bad…disregard the earlier comment
haha WIN.
Oh he's alive! Go read the hoax list 🙂
With Paul McCartney it is the opposite. He is alive but people believe he is really dead…