Alan Passaro was a member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club who became infamous for stabbing and killing Meredith Hunter, a young black man, at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969. The incident was captured on film and became a symbol of the dark side of the 1960s counterculture. Passaro was acquitted of murder charges, claiming self-defense, but his life was never the same after that. He died in 1985 under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind many unanswered questions.
The Altamont Tragedy
The Altamont Free Concert was supposed to be a celebration of peace and love, featuring some of the biggest rock bands of the time, such as the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. However, the event turned into a nightmare, as violence erupted between the crowd and the Hells Angels, who were hired to provide security for $500 worth of beer. According to IMDb, four people died at the concert, including Meredith Hunter, who was stabbed by Alan Passaro as he approached the stage with a gun.
The killing of Hunter was caught on camera by the filmmakers Albert and David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, who were making a documentary about the Rolling Stones’ 1969 tour. The film, titled Gimme Shelter, showed Hunter drawing his revolver and Passaro lunging at him with a knife. The footage also showed Mick Jagger watching the scene in horror in an editing room months later.
The Trial and Acquittal
Passaro was arrested and charged with murder for killing Hunter. He claimed that he acted in self-defense, as he feared that Hunter would shoot at the band or the crowd. He also said that he did not intend to kill Hunter, but only to disarm him. His defense team presented evidence that Hunter was under the influence of drugs and had a history of violence. They also argued that Passaro was not a racist, but a victim of media bias.
The trial lasted for 17 days and involved 44 witnesses. The jury deliberated for 12 and a half hours before reaching a verdict of not guilty. The jury believed that Passaro acted reasonably under the circumstances and that he did not use excessive force. The acquittal sparked controversy and outrage among many people, especially in the black community.
The Aftermath and Death
After being acquitted, Passaro tried to resume his normal life, but he faced many difficulties. He was shunned by his fellow Hells Angels, who considered him a traitor for cooperating with the authorities. He also received death threats from some people who blamed him for ruining the concert and tarnishing the image of the Hells Angels. He changed his name and moved to different places, hoping to escape his past.
In 1985, Passaro’s body was found floating in the Anderson Reservoir near San Jose, California. He was wearing a suit and had $10,000 in his pocket. The cause of death was determined to be drowning, but foul play was never confirmed. Some speculated that he committed suicide, while others suspected that he was murdered by someone who wanted revenge or money. His death remains a mystery to this day.
Conclusion
Alan Passaro’s cause of death is one of the many unsolved mysteries surrounding the Altamont Free Concert. His life and death reflect the complexity and tragedy of a turbulent era in American history. His story is also a reminder of the consequences of violence and hatred, as well as the importance of justice and compassion.
