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Authorities confirmed to E! News that the paranormal writer and YouTuber, who built a platform through his science and spirituality videos, died on April 20 in Boulder County, Colorado. He was 53.
The incident occurred around 10:44 a.m., after deputies received a 911 call about an "unknown problem," according to a Boulder County Sheriff's Office press release, with the emergency communications specialist believing the caller was experiencing a mental health crisis.
When they arrived at the home, which was just outside the small town of Nederland, deputies discovered a man standing outside with an undisclosed weapon.
According to officials, minutes later, the man used the weapon on himself and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, authorities stated that they searched the home and surrounding property but found no one else. They are currently working with the Boulder County Coroner's Office to determine the cause and manner of death.
Wilcock was active on YouTube in the days leading up to his death, with his last video posted on April 19.
According to his YouTube bio, he was a New York Times best-selling author, a frequent guest on the History Channel's Ancient Aliens, and the star of the documentary film Above Majestic.
Even though he wasn't as active on Instagram, he frequently mocked his extended absences while promoting his work.
In fact, he announced his three-year Instagram hiatus in July 2024. "I am back!" he wrote. "I am finally feeling like posting again, so here we are!"
Wilcock had joked about going MIA on social media a few years ago, posting a photo of himself surrounded by question marks.
"What happened to David Challenge?" he captioned his April 2021 post. "Whoever has the most ridiculous and hilarious idea of why David has not been on social media for the past two months wins!"
"Post your idea below," he quipped, "and the winner's crackpot theory will be read out on the following live stream with full credit.”
