Investigators found nine sets of footprints exiting the camp, all footprints appearing to be from people only wearing socks, only one shoe, or entirely barefoot. Tracking the footprints, crews followed the path to the edge of nearby woods, nearly a mile northeast and opposite the side of the pass. Strangely, after 500 feet, the hiker’s tracks were covered with snow.
The investigators entered the woods and found a cedar nearby; underneath the cedar, signs of a small fire were visible and adjacent to the extinguished fire were the bodies of those of Krivonischenko and Doroshenko, both without shoes and naked except for underwear. The cedar tree itself had odd clues to the group’s reasoning for being at this location. Sixteen feet above were broken branches. Investigators speculated one of the skiers must have climbed up in an attempt to find something. Between the cedar and the campsite lie three more dead bodies belonging to Dyatlov, Kolmogorova, and Slobodin. All three were posed in ways that suggested to investigators that they were headed back towards the camp and tent. Ultimately, only five bodies were recovered on that February trip. It took over two months for the remaining four to be recovered.
On May 4th, 1959, the remaining four hikers were recovered under thirteen feet of thawing snow in a ravine over 200 feet from the cedar tree Krivonischenko’s and Doroshenko’s bodies were found. All four were at least better dressed than the five previously found in February, but it appeared they were not wearing their own clothes. Each hiker was wearing pieces of clothing that belonged to their fellow hikers, rather than there own gear.
The deaths of the first five were quickly proposed. Hypothermia was the official cause of death. Slobodin had a small injury on his skull, but coroners felt certain the injury was of no significance. Initially, the diagnosis of hypothermia was not shocking, but when the remaining four bodies were found, the narrative of exactly what happened February 1st and 2nd changed from unfortunate to ominous. Three of the hikers had fatal injuries. Thibeaux-Brignolles’s skull was thoroughly damaged and both Dubinina and Zolotaryov had fractured chests. It was said that the force required to sustain such significant injuries was analogous to a car crash. Dubinina was also found without a tongue, her eyes, and parts of her lips missing. All nine bodies were also reported to have strange amounts of radiation readings on both their bodies and any clothes they were wearing.
Initial speculation from the investigators and the public was that a local tribe, the indigenous Mansi, were responsible for the attack. This theory was proven wrong on three fronts. Firstly, the Mansi people are known as peaceful people who are not prone to violence. Secondly, the force required in several of the member’s injuries would not be humanly possible. Thirdly, there were only enough footprints to account for all the missing hiker.
Other strange reports around the time of the February disappearance of the nine hikers add extra mystery to the incident. Another group of hikers who were camping approximately 31 miles south of the Dyatlov incident reported seeing strange orange glowing spheres to the north of their camp. These spheres were not just observable to this set of hikers, as people from the nearby town of Ivdel and other adjacent communities also reported seeing odd spherical lights in the sky. Other sources, such as meteorological services and the military, confirmed these reports.
No truly satisfactory answer has ever been given for the untimely and strange deaths of these extraordinarily knowledgeable hikers. Decades have passed and thanks to many dedicated sleuths, the Dyatlov Pass has remained a fascinating puzzle begging to be solved. Perhaps one day, definitive answers will lay this mystery to rest.