After graduating from Emory University in 1990, American Adventurer Chris McCandless, better known by his pen name as “Alexander Supertramp,” abandoned his modern life. He started a voyage across North America and eventually made his way to Alaska, where he stayed in an abandoned Stampede Trail bus.
He tragically perished in the Alaskan Tundra in 1992 from malnutrition. Because of his principles and eventually deadly trek into the wilderness, his story made him famous, which is detailed in Jon Krakauer’s book “Into the Wild,” which has drawn attention from the public in the form of praise and criticism.
Chris McCandless: Early life
Chris McCandless was born in El Segundo, California, on February 12, 1968. His sister is Carine, and his parents are Walt McCandless and Wilhelmina Johnson (Formerly Billie).
Even though Walt was still legally married to his first wife at the time Chris and Carine were born, he still had children from his first marriage, and they lived in California. (Chris discovered this later, and it so enraged him that he believed his entire existence had been a lie.)
Walt joined NASA in 1976 and was positioned as an antenna specialist, prompting a move to Virginia, where his mother worked as a secretary at Hughes Aircraft. Later, they both launched a consultancy that made them very successful. But unfortunately, working and living together affected their relationship, which led to disagreements in front of Chris and Carine, resulting in them distancing themselves from their parents.
Chris McCandless: Quick Insights
Full name | Christopher Johnson McCandless |
Born | February 12, 1968 (United States) |
Parents | Walt McCandless, Billie McCandless |
Siblings | Carine, Sam, and Quinn McCandless |
Education | Emory University (1986-1990), Carter G. Woodson High School (1986) |
Body Discovered | September 6, 1992 |
Books | Back to the Wild: The Photographs and Writing of Christopher McCandless |
Chris: A Driven Student and Resolute Runner
Chris headed a cross-country team and excelled academically, receiving A grades. He also had a strong will and was a very stubborn kid. He gave his comrades a lot of push and led them on practice runs in places where it was easy to get lost.
He considered jogging a kind of spiritual activity and saw this as a challenge. He obtained a failing grade in one subject because he refused to write the article the teacher asked him to, which is an example of his stubbornness.
Journey into the Wild
McCandless left college, gave up his savings in charity, left his car, and set off into the American West as Alexander Supertramp. He traveled across the deserts, mountains, and rivers, and hitchhiked his way by surviving on food found in nature.
In April 1992, he rode an ear to Fairbanks, Alaska as a hitchhiker. Chris was driven to the Stampede Trail by a local called Jim Gallien, who was alarmed by Chris's lack in equipment and experiance. Nonetheless, Chris went into the wilderness armed with a rifle, rice, a field guide on edible plants, and other meager gear.
He finally discovered an abandoned bus, which later became his reputed magic bus, where he started to live his dream of living by the land. He kept a daily journal, which described his victories and hardships. It would not be wrong to say that despite being able to hunt small game, he did not know how to preserve food, identify plants, and these deficiencies turned deadly.
The Last Days
Around July 1992, Chris had already tried to get out of the wilderness and got stranded by the full Teklanika River. His journal was increasingly desperate, saying he was very weak. His last writing was run on the eighth of August, when he only wrote: Beautiful Blueberries.
He also left a farewell message appreciating God as he had lived a happy life. His body was found in the bus by hunters on the 6th of September 1992. He was only 67 pounds in weight. Officially, the cause of death was starvation.
Chris McCandless's legacy
People all across the world were enchanted by Chris's life and death. Krakauer's status as a representative of teenage revolt and the achievement of authenticity was solidified by his 1996 book “Into the Wild” and the 2007 film adaption starring Sean Penn. Before being eliminated for safety reasons in 2020, the bus where he died became a place of pilgrimage.
But not everyone thinks of him as a hero. His lack of preparedness and experience is criticized by many Alaskans, who see his voyage as irresponsible rather than brave. In a well-known essay, Park Ranger Peter Christian described McCandless's behavior as "not even particularly daring, just stupid, tragic, and not considerate."
Though opinions vary, the story of Chris McCandless remains relevant because it serves as a reminder of the wilderness's harsh peril as much as its beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the reason for the death of Chris McCandless?
After the dead body of Chris McCandless was discovered by authorities, they sent the body for investigation and cause of death was officially ruled to be starvation.
2. Why is Chris McChandless so famous?
The idea of leaving a traditional life behind to pursue a life in the wild, as young Chris McCandless did, fascinate to many.
3. Why is Into the Wild Controversial?
However, while he is beloved by many, McCandless is also a figure of controversy. Krakauer's portrayal in “Into the Wild” is largely sympathetic, but others take a darker view of McCandless and especially of his decision to live alone in the Alaskan wilderness, which eventually led to his death.
