Russia, 1959. Nine experienced high mountain climbers set out in the Ural Mountains. They're masters of their craft, well prepared and a highly efficient team. One of them drops back at the start of the journey and returns home. The rest never do. A search begins for the lost team, and when finally found, no single reason posited in the last 65 years explains what happened. All left the campsite of their own accord to their certain death. Many had bizarre injuries. A murder investigation was shut down by the Soviet government, and to this day parts of the investigative file have gone missing. A body has been stolen, and the hiker who turned back offers no clues.  

The cause of death? An "overwhelming compelling force."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices