Christopher McCandless

Date of Birth: February 12, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: August 18, 1992

Biography

Christopher McCandless, also known by the pseudonym Alexander Supertramp, was an American explorer and adventurer who became famous for his journey into the Alaskan wilderness. Born into an affluent family, McCandless was an intelligent and passionate individual with a deep-seated desire for freedom and a life unencumbered by material possessions. After graduating from Emory University in 1990, he donated his $24,000 savings to charity, abandoned most of his possessions, and set off on a journey across North America. McCandless’s travels took him through various parts of the United States, including the West and Midwest, and eventually led him to the wilderness of Alaska. His goal was to live off the land and experience life in its purest form. In April 1992, he ventured into the Alaskan wilderness with minimal supplies and equipment. He lived in an abandoned bus, which he called “The Magic Bus,” near the Denali National Park. Tragically, McCandless was found dead in the bus in September 1992. His story gained widespread attention through Jon Krakauer’s book “Into the Wild” and the subsequent film adaptation directed by Sean Penn. McCandless’s life and journey have since become a symbol of the search for meaning and the desire to live a life true to one’s values.

5 Interesting Facts about Christopher McCandless

1. Christopher McCandless donated his entire savings of $24,000 to Oxfam, a charity dedicated to fighting hunger, before embarking on his journey.

2. He adopted the name “Alexander Supertramp” as a symbol of his new identity and his break from his past life.

3. McCandless’s story was immortalized in Jon Krakauer’s 1996 book “Into the Wild,” which became a bestseller and was later adapted into a film.

4. He survived for approximately 113 days in the Alaskan wilderness, primarily by foraging and hunting.

5. The bus where McCandless lived and ultimately died became a pilgrimage site for adventurers and fans of his story, although it was removed in 2020 to prevent further accidents and deaths.