Joe Nickell has died

[shemp]

Remembering Joe Nickell, Iconic Skeptic and Investigator

Joe Nickell, the award-winning investigator and longtime Skeptical Inquirer columnist, died this week at the age of eighty. In addition to decades spent investigating historical, paranormal, and forensic mysteries and hoaxes, Nickell was a prolific author whose work was frequently cited in news reports and documentaries. All of us at the Center for Inquiry are saddened at the sudden loss of our long-time colleague.

“Joe Nickell was an icon and hero within the skeptical community,” said Barry Karr, the executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). “Joe was a hands-on investigator who could be found aboard the Queen Mary looking for alleged ghosts, or in a farmer’s field investigating crop circles, or roaming the shores of Loch Ness looking for Nessie, or touring China studying traditional Chinese medicine and examining the claims of Qigong masters. This barely scratches the surface.

“Joe was a true polymath who often left you in awe of his depth of knowledge in, it seemed, a limitless number of subjects. He was a walking and talking encyclopedia with a never-ending curiosity to know even more and bring on the next mystery!” Karr said. “What a tremendous loss. He can never be replaced.”

 

[Darat]

Heard him speak a couple of times, very interesting and I’ve got a several of his books.

 

[Ernie M]

I met Joe Nickell at a JREF TAM, in Las Vegas.

Joe sat reading a newspaper while eating breakfast at a table by himself in the Garden Buffet restaurant of the host hotel. It was before the morning Workshops began. I asked Joe if I could join him for breakfast. Please.

We talked about the conference, his "Investigative Techniques", some cases he investigated, and how he was able to get some 'little known' information. Joe recounted about a show he had been on; changes happened and he would no longer be a participant. The show's direction didn't want to present all the facts to 'solve' things. Episodes were to be largely unsolved, Joe said. Joe's investigative techniques and findings would no longer be included.

Joe was kind to talk with me as he recounted some of the events that shaped his life and work.

Joe shown a light on the fact that a lot of people want to believe in fake things like myths and legends and dreams and wishes. A lot of people want validation– not fact. I thought I heard frustration in Joe's voice. Joe was concerned about the harm, the harm that takes place when so many people believe in the myths, legends, paranormal, supernatural, and occult. Joe was searching for truth, context and facts.

My condolences to Joe Nickell's family, friends, and the critical-thinking community that Joe's life positively influenced.

Joe, you live on in my heart.

-Ernie Marsh

 

[Spektator]

I've read many, many of his investigative works. R.I.P..

 

[arthwollipot]

I interviewed him at TAM7 for my podcast. Amusingly, I was completely unable to pronounce the word "investigative".

 

[Big Les]

Sad. I have one of his books, read a number of his articles, and referenced him in my own Fortean Times article on vampire killing kits.

 

[Sherlock]

Many years ago during one of his investigative travels he spent the night in a guest bedroom and was clearly exhausted. He'd been zig zagging across parts of the U.S. and writing up his adventures and findings over a of couple weeks. He always impressed me as just wanting to keep digging until he was satisfied he could convey the truth supported by facts. Sometimes that took an extra day or two here or there. I remember as he came downstairs the following morning for a 'breakfast snack' he was once again alert and eager to hit the road and complete his last two stops before being able to head back to his home. He will be missed, but fortunately his writings and documents remain.

 

[grunion]

I've read a good number of his columns and books - a dry wit and earnest advocate for the world as it is. Sad news.

 

[Wowbagger]

Coincidentally, I found one his wood nickels (which he used as a business card) today, while searching my old archives for some other stuff.

 

[Orphia Nay]

He was very old school. I read recently a friend of his saying that he didn't use email or internet. Amazing that he still had such a following, that says a lot about the man.

 

[zooterkin]

Coincidentally, I found one his wood nickels (which he used as a business card) today, while searching my old archives for some other stuff.

I'm fairly sure I have one tucked away somewhere. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a TAM; as far as I recall it was a short chat on the way to or from breakfast. He was a very engaging and intelligent man, and I liked his method of investigation. Like Randi, he sought to understand, not to debunk.

 

[Axxman300]

What I like and respect about Joe is he was never mean, snide, nor rude while relating his findings. Back when I was a hardcore believer his professional and polite attitude compelled me to listen to his points, which he always listed carefully, and clearly. Learned so much from his work.