The world of ufology mourned the loss of John Keel, a legendary figure renowned for his groundbreaking work, including the chilling “The Mothman Prophecies.” News of his passing in July 2009 at the age of seventy-nine prompted reflection on his impactful career and unique perspective on unexplained phenomena. For some, like myself, it also sparked memories of unexpected personal encounters that revealed the intriguing character behind the celebrated author and investigator.
My own chance meeting with John Keel occurred a couple of years prior to his death during a visit to an Upper West Side old-age home. Participating in a community program aimed at connecting young people with seniors, my friend and I were assigned a room, hoping to offer a brief moment of companionship. Instead of the expected Mrs. Goldberg, we found Mr. John Keel. He informed us of Mrs. Goldberg’s passing and, with an unexpected invitation, ushered us into his world.
What followed was a captivating and somewhat surreal recounting of his life and experiences. We listened, politely masking our incredulity, as John Keel spun tales of UFO sightings and encounters with the Mothman, the mysterious creature of West Virginia fame. He spoke of his book on the Mothman Prophecies – a detail we mentally filed under ‘self-published eccentricity’ – and then, astonishingly, mentioned negotiations to have Richard Gere portray him in a movie adaptation. The conversation then veered to India, where Keel claimed to have investigated the mystical practices of fakirs, further blurring the lines between reality and fantastical storytelling.
Despite our apparent skepticism, John Keel remained unfazed. He seemed to perceive our visit as a teachable moment, addressing us with a playful, almost avuncular tone. He lectured us, not with condescension, but with a curious intent to provoke thought, on the subjective nature of belief, the shifting sands of truth, the pitfalls of excessive skepticism, and even his own peculiar detachment from the concept of love. As our impromptu two-hour visit drew to a close, and we stood to leave, John Keel called us back with a parting remark, a cryptic “One day you’ll know,” before bidding us farewell.
Stepping out of the room, a shared curiosity led us to online search engines. It was then that the reality of John Keel’s fame crystallized. We discovered “The Mothman Prophecies” was not some obscure self-publication but a widely recognized book, and indeed, a movie starring Richard Gere existed. Intrigued, we promptly sought out both the book and movie, readily available online. But what was the “something” Keel alluded to? Was it the recognition he had achieved, the veracity of his unorthodox theories, or something else entirely beyond our youthful comprehension that afternoon? The enigma of John Keel, the ufologist and storyteller, lingered long after our visit, a testament to the enduring mystery he cultivated both in his work and in person.
