James Dallas Egbert III Former Michigan State University student Date of Birth: 29.10.1962 Country: USA

1. The Disappearance of James Egbert
2. A Troubled Youth
3. The Incident
4. The Misinformation
5. The Escape
6. The Revelation
7. The Aftermath

The Disappearance of James Egbert

James Egbert, a former Michigan State University (MSU) student, mistakenly became known as the "Dungeons & Dragons" victim when he went missing in the university's underground tunnels.

A Troubled Youth

Egbert was a 16-year-old gifted child who faced various challenges. He struggled with depression, parental academic pressure, and substance use. Additionally, his exceptional abilities hindered him from making connections at MSU.

The Incident

On August 15, 1979, Egbert entered the tunnels with the intention of committing suicide by ingesting a large dose of methaqualone. However, his attempt failed, and he woke up the next day, seeking refuge at his friends' house.

The Misinformation

Egbert's disappearance gained public attention after an article by Michael Stuart was published in the student newspaper. Police initially suspected foul play, but nothing concrete turned up. Private investigator William Dear, hired by Egbert's parents, knew nothing about "Dungeons & Dragons." He formulated a theory that Egbert got lost during a live-action role-playing game based on the game. The press eagerly adopted this narrative, presenting it as fact.

The Escape

In reality, Egbert fled MSU after hearing about the frenzy surrounding his disappearance. His friends feared legal consequences and urged him to leave. He traveled to New Orleans, where he made another suicide attempt, this time with cyanide. It again failed, and Egbert moved to Morgan City, Louisiana, where he worked on an oil rig for four days.

The Revelation

Egbert contacted Dear, revealing his whereabouts in Morgan City. Dear retrieved Egbert and kept his promise to conceal the truth. The teenager was placed in the care of his uncle.

The Aftermath

Egbert's suicide tale remained a secret due to Dear's promise. His third suicide attempt, this time by gunshot, occurred on August 16, 1980. Four years later, Dear shared the story in his book "The Dungeon Master." Author Rona Jaffe had previously published the novel "Mazes and Monsters," which was based on the exaggerated media accounts. A television movie was also made based on the book.

Ultimately, the events and controversies surrounding Egbert's disappearance became a cautionary tale about the dangers of sensationalism and the importance of separating truth from fiction.