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.
“They grew up knowing they couldn’t talk about it,” Gryder said, describing the family’s silence as a protective measure.
FBI’s Next Steps
The FBI is reportedly focused on DNA evidence to establish a conclusive link between McCoy and the hijacking. The parachute, logbook, and other artifacts are now at the FBI’s Quantico laboratory. “The only way they can officially close this case is with a solid DNA match,” Gryder noted.
Lingering Mysteries
Though the evidence aligns closely with details of the hijacking, skeptics remain. Over the decades, many suspects and theories have come and gone, with hundreds of tips leading to dead ends. Still, Gryder’s discovery has reignited hope of solving the case.
If the FBI can confirm McCoy as D.B. Cooper through DNA, it would mark the end of a 50-year mystery that has fascinated and puzzled investigators and the public alike.