One of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries—the true identity of infamous hijacker D.B. Cooper—might finally be nearing resolution. Retired pilot and YouTuber Dan Gryder claims to have uncovered a parachute that could link the 1971 skyjacking to Richard Floyd McCoy Jr., a long-suspected but unproven figure in the case.
D.B. Cooper became a legend when he hijacked a plane, extorted $200,000, and parachuted into the night, vanishing without a trace. The recently discovered parachute was found among McCoy’s late mother’s belongings and matches the specific description of the one used in the daring jump.
“The modifications on the parachute were unmistakable,” said Gryder. “As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one.” The discovery also included McCoy’s logbook, which detailed numerous practice jumps leading up to the hijacking.
The McCoy Connection
McCoy, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, was killed in 1974 after a similar airplane heist. While circumstantial evidence has long pointed to him as Cooper, no definitive proof has emerged—until now. Gryder’s discovery prompted the FBI to take custody of the parachute and related items. The agency has declined to comment publicly, referencing a 2016 statement saying they would only reopen the case if compelling new evidence arose.
A Family Secret
Gryder also revealed that McCoy’s children had avoided discussing their father’s alleged crimes until after their mother and grandmother passed away. According to Gryder, the family held onto a deep secret that both parents were complicit in the hijackings.