David Wilcock, the controversial UFO researcher and bestselling author has died at his Colorado home at the age of 53 after authorities said he took his own life.
The death of Wilcock was confirmed by the Boulder County Coroner's Office on April 22, two days after deputies were called to a residence outside Nederland, Colorado, following a 911 call.
Emergency crews were dispatched to his home around 10:44am on Monday after a caller reported what authorities believe may have been a mental health crisis, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office.
When deputies arrived, they encountered a man outside the home.
Officials said that 'within minutes of deputies' arrival,' Wilcock took his own life. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators searched both the residence and surrounding property and confirmed that no other individuals were present.
The case remains under review as authorities work to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Wilcock's sudden death has sent shockwaves through a devoted online following that had grown around his decades-long work exploring UFOs, ancient civilizations and theories about hidden knowledge.
David Wilcock died on April 20, 2026, at the age of 53, according to Colorado authorities
The Boulder County Coroner's Office confirmed his death in a public statement on April 22. Deputies were dispatched after a 911 call just before 11am near Nederland, Colorado
Tributes quickly flooded social media, with fans expressing grief, disbelief and, in some cases, skepticism about the circumstances of his death. A message from X in 2022 is seen above
A leading figure in what is known as the 'disclosure movement,' Wilcock built a career on the belief that governments, particularly in the United States, possess secret information about extraterrestrial life and advanced technologies.
He advocated for that information to be made public, drawing a loyal audience of believers and skeptics alike.
He authored several books on the subject, including The Source Field Investigations and The Synchronicity Key – both of which became New York Times bestsellers.
He also gained mainstream visibility through repeated appearances on the Ancient Aliens, a long-running series that explores theories about extraterrestrial influence on human history.
Beyond television, Wilcock cultivated a massive digital presence.
His YouTube channel attracted hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and he frequently hosted livestreams discussing everything from cosmic consciousness to alleged government cover-ups.
In the days leading up to his death, Wilcock appeared to hint at personal struggles.
On April 18, he wrote to followers on X: 'I've had some very intense stuff going on this weekend. Either way, I want you all to know how much I love and appreciate you!'
He added: 'Always remember that the Creator is within - and we live in a loving universe. I am very grateful to you for all of your love, care and support.'
Wilcock was a leading figure in the UFO 'disclosure movement,' which advocates for releasing alleged government secrets about extraterrestrials. Wilcock is pictured with actor Denise Richards
Wilcock had more than 500,000 followers on YouTube alone, He is pictured with a superfan in Boulder, Colorado
Wilcock called 911 after he had been experiencing a mental health crisis
Last week he posted that he had 'some very intense stuff going on' and thanked followers for their support
The message has since taken on a haunting tone for those who followed his work.
Tributes quickly flooded social media, with fans expressing grief, disbelief and, in some cases, skepticism about the circumstances of his death.
'Rest In Divine Peace, and be so very blessed David Wilcock. I am sure the whole story has not yet come out!' one user wrote on X.
Another added, 'My heart feels so sad. Poor David. He didn't deserve this. He was a genuine good person.'
Others openly questioned the official account, with one post reading, 'Noooooo! He did not take his own life and most of us are wise to that!!' while another claimed, 'David literally said on video multiple times that he is not suicidal.'
A self-described longtime friend wrote: 'I do not believe the official story, at all.'
Some described him as a 'genuine good person' whose work 'opened [their] eyes,' while others questioned the official account - reflecting the same mix of devotion and controversy that defined his career.
Wilcock's influence extended beyond internet forums into political circles.
Florida Republican Rep Anna Paulina Luna publicly acknowledged his passing, writing that she was 'praying for his family and loved ones and the millions of lives he impacted.'
Wilcock was living in a home near Nederland, a small mountain town in Boulder County, Colorado, at the time of his death. He is pictured at Lake Louise in Western Canada
The area outside Nederland where he lived is a remote, high-altitude region in the Rocky Mountains known for its isolation and natural surroundings. Wilcock is seen alongside a in Banff, Canada
Wilcock is pictured alongside Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Motown legend Smokey Robinson
Born in New York in 1973, Wilcock studied psychology before embarking on a career that blended spiritualism, conspiracy theories and alternative science.
He even advanced the claim in one of his books that he was the reincarnation of famed psychic Edgar Cayce - a theory that further cemented his reputation as a polarizing figure.
Despite, or perhaps because of those claims, he remained a central voice in the UFO and paranormal community for years, drawing audiences eager for answers to questions far beyond conventional science.
Now, his sudden death leaves that community grappling not only with the loss of one of its most recognizable figures, but also with the unanswered questions surrounding his final moments.
Authorities have not indicated any evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains focused on confirming the official findings.