Euell Gibbons was a famous outdoorsman, naturalist, and health food advocate who promoted eating wild foods during the 1960s. He wrote several books on foraging, such as Stalking the Wild Asparagus and Stalking the Healthful Herbs, and appeared in popular TV shows and commercials. He was widely regarded as an authority on wild edible plants and their nutritional benefits. However, his life was cut short by a sudden and unexpected death in 1975. What was the cause of Euell Gibbons death? And how did his lifestyle influence his health and longevity?
A Life of Adventure and Hardship
Euell Gibbons was born in Clarksville, Texas, on September 8, 1911. He grew up in a poor and nomadic family that moved frequently across the Southwest in search of work and land. His father was a farmer, a carpenter, a cowboy, and a gold prospector, among other things. His mother taught him and his siblings how to identify and gather wild plants and berries to supplement their meager diet.
Gibbons left home at the age of 15 and drifted from one job to another, working as a dairyman, a trapper, a boatbuilder, a surveyor, and a merchant sailor. He also became involved in political activism and joined the Communist Party for a brief period. He served in the Army during World War II and married his second wife, Freda Fryer, in 1948. He became a Quaker and moved to Pennsylvania, where he worked at a Quaker study center.
Gibbons had always been fascinated by nature and wild foods, and he decided to pursue his passion for writing in the late 1950s. He published his first book, Stalking the Wild Asparagus, in 1962, which became an instant bestseller and launched his career as a naturalist and author. He wrote several more books on foraging and cooking with wild foods, such as Stalking the Blue-Eyed Scallop, Stalking the Good Life, and Beachcomber’s Handbook. He also wrote articles for magazines such as National Geographic, Organic Gardening, and Reader’s Digest.
Gibbons became a celebrity and a spokesperson for the natural food movement. He appeared on TV shows such as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Dick Cavett Show. He also starred in commercials for Grape-Nuts cereal, where he famously said that it “reminds me of wild hickory nuts”. He was admired by many people for his knowledge, charisma, and humor.
A Mysterious Death
Euell Gibbons died on December 29, 1975, at the age of 64. He was found dead in his home in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, by his wife Freda. The official cause of death was a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which is a bulge in the wall of the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause massive internal bleeding and death within minutes.
However, some people speculated that Gibbons might have died from eating poisonous plants or from malnutrition due to his unconventional diet. Some even suggested that he might have committed suicide or been murdered by someone who opposed his views or envied his fame. None of these theories have been proven or supported by any evidence.
According to Wikipedia, Gibbons might have had a genetic condition called Marfan syndrome, which affects the connective tissue and can cause problems with the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones, and joints. Marfan syndrome can increase the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm and can also cause other complications such as vision loss, scoliosis, chest deformity, and joint pain. Gibbons was tall (6 feet 4 inches) and thin (160 pounds), which are common physical traits of people with Marfan syndrome.
However, Gibbons never received a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome or any other medical condition that could explain his death. He did not have any symptoms or signs of heart disease or high blood pressure before he died. He did not smoke or drink alcohol. He exercised regularly and ate mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, fish, eggs, cheese, honey, and wild foods that he gathered himself. He claimed that he felt healthy and energetic most of the time.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Euell Gibbons cause of death remains a mystery to this day. However, his life and work have left a lasting impact on many people who are interested in nature, nutrition, and self-reliance. His books are still widely read and praised for their practical advice, scientific accuracy, and literary style. His TV appearances are still remembered for their entertainment value and educational content. His philosophy of living in harmony with nature is still relevant and inspiring for many people who seek a simpler and healthier way of life.
Gibbons was a pioneer and a leader of the natural food movement, which has grown and diversified over the years. He influenced many other authors, activists, and celebrities who advocate for organic farming, vegetarianism, veganism, raw foodism, and environmentalism. He also inspired many people to explore and enjoy the outdoors, to learn about wild edible plants, and to cook with natural ingredients.
Euell Gibbons was a foraging guru who met his end in a tragic and unexpected way. However, he lived a full and adventurous life that enriched the lives of many others. He was a man who followed his passion and shared his wisdom with the world. He was a man who stalked the wild asparagus and the good life.
