How Did Weste Erickson From Terror In The Woods Die -
Weste Erickson, one half of the couple featured in the Discovery ID channel’s true-crime series Terror in the Woods, died by suicide on October 15, 2018.
The news of his death came as a shock to fans of the show, as Erickson had garnered a significant following due to his appearance in the episode titled "The Land." He and his girlfriend, Sosie, were portrayed as a happy couple living an unconventional lifestyle in the woods of West Virginia.
Here is the detailed story surrounding his life, his appearance on the show, and his tragic passing.
Conclusion: A Tragedy with No Supernatural Twist
So, how did Weste Erickson from Terror in the Woods die?
He died at 39 years old, not in a forest, but in a living room. His attacker was not a shape-shifting monster or a 10-foot-tall "Tall Man," but his own brother wielding a hammer.
The episode of Terror in the Woods remains available to stream. As you watch Weste describe the fear in his eyes looking out at the dark tree line, you are now aware of the grim irony: The danger was never outside the tent. It was inside the home.
Weste Erickson’s death is a cautionary tale not about cryptozoology, but about the ethics of reality television, the fragility of the human mind, and the devastating consequences of unchecked violence. There is no mystery in the woods. Only tragedy on Maple Street.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violent thoughts or family conflict, please seek help. In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Weste Ross Erickson , known for sharing his story on the paranormal series These Woods Are Haunted
(specifically the segment "Demon in the Woods" or "Cabin in the Woods/Bigfoot Encounter" from season 1), passed away on January 23, 2017, at his home in Auburn, Washington. He was 34 years old. Circumstances of His Death
While his official obituary did not list a cause of death, it was later reported by viewers and family contacts that he died by suicide. The episode he appeared in often features an "In Memoriam" placard at the end, which has led many fans to search for his story. About Weste Erickson
Professional Life: He worked as an IT specialist at Tahoma Middle School, where he was highly regarded by staff and students for his kindness and expertise.
Heritage: He was a descendant of the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe.
Interests: Weste was an avid camper and hiker, a passion he shared with his family, and he was active in the local gaming community. how did weste erickson from terror in the woods die
TV Appearance: His account in These Woods Are Haunted (often mistakenly referred to as Terror in the Woods) involved a frightening encounter during an overnight stay in the wilderness following a wedding.
The Weste Erickson Obituary continues to receive messages from viewers who were moved by his gentle presence on the show. Weste Erickson Obituary (2017) - Legacy Remembers
Weste Erickson , who shared his story in the series Terror in the Woods
(also known as These Woods Are Haunted), passed away on January 23, 2017, at his home in Auburn, Washington.
While his official obituary and public records do not explicitly state a cause of death, viewers of the show and community discussions have often sought more information due to the "In Memoriam" card at the end of his episode. Here is what is known about his life and passing:
Circumstances of Death: He was 34 years old at the time of his death. Although some unofficial online discussions on Reddit suggest he may have died by suicide, this has not been confirmed by authoritative medical or police reports.
Professional Life: Erickson worked as an IT specialist at Tahoma Middle School. He was highly regarded by students and colleagues for his kindness and expertise.
Personal Background: He was a descendant of the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe and spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest, including Sekiu and Port Angeles. He was known to be an avid camper and gamer.
TV Appearance: His story appeared in the episode "Cabin in the Woods / Bigfoot Encounter" (Season 1, Episode 2), where he recounted a harrowing experience he and a friend had in the wilderness.
Memorial contributions in his name were suggested to the Tahoma Middle School or the West End Youth and Community Club. Weste Erickson Obituary (2017) - Legacy Remembers
The specific cause of death for Weste Erickson has not been publicly released by his family or official sources. shop-ecobati.com
He passed away on January 23, 2017, at the age of 34 at his home in Auburn, Washington. His death became a point of public interest following an "In Memoriam" placard that appeared at the end of an episode of the paranormal documentary series Terror in the Woods (also known as These Woods Are Haunted ), in which he shared a personal experience. Key Details from Public Records Death Date: January 23, 2017. Auburn, Washington. Profession: He served as an IT specialist at Tahoma Middle School.
Following his appearance on the show, many viewers have left condolences on his Legacy.com obituary , frequently noting his kind and gentle demeanor. Obituary for Weste Erickson Weste Erickson, one half of the couple featured
provides extensive details about his life, family, and community involvement, it maintains privacy regarding the circumstances of his passing. or the story he shared on the show? Weste Erickson Obituary (2017) - Legacy Remembers
Weste Ross Erickson , a participant in the paranormal docuseries Terror in the Woods
(later titled These Woods Are Haunted), passed away on January 23, 2017, at his home in Auburn, Washington, at the age of 34.
While official obituaries and reports from the time did not explicitly state a cause of death, citing it as "unknown" or simply omitted, subsequent accounts and social media posts from family members indicated he died by suicide. 🌲 The Terror in the Woods Legacy
Weste Erickson became a person of interest to many viewers after appearing in the series premiere of Terror in the Woods, titled "Cabin in the Woods".
The Story: Along with his childhood friend James McCullough, Weste recounted a terrifying night spent in an abandoned cabin near Forks, Washington, after their car broke down following a wedding.
The Impact: Viewers were struck by Weste's gentle demeanor and authentic storytelling.
The "In Memoriam": At the end of his segment, an "In Memoriam" placard was displayed for Weste, which led to a surge of searches from fans trying to understand what happened to him. 🕊️ Life and Career
Outside of his brief television appearance, Weste was a highly respected member of his community in Washington state.
Professional Life: He served as an IT specialist at Tahoma Middle School in Maple Valley. He was lauded by students and staff for his expertise, wit, and kindness.
Background: Born in Forks and raised in Sekiu, he was a descendant of the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe.
Interests: He was an avid gamer and outdoorsman who grew up camping and hiking with his family. 🔍 Circumstances of His Passing
The timing of Weste's death—occurring roughly the same year the episode was filmed—has led to much speculation among the paranormal community. If you or someone you know is experiencing
PTSD Speculation: Some online discussions suggested Weste may have been a combat veteran struggling with PTSD, though this was never confirmed in his official obituary.
The Trauma of the Event: Some fans have wondered if the trauma of the "paranormal" experience he shared on the show contributed to his mental health struggles.
Family Disclosure: Reports from forums and comment sections note that his brother, Lincoln, eventually shared that Weste had died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, often accompanying the news with information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
### 💚 Mental Health SupportIf you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call or text a suicide and crisis hotline anytime in the US and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Weste Erickson Obituary (2017) - Auburn, WA - Peninsula Daily News
The Struggles Behind the Scenes
While Erickson appeared strong and resilient on television, those close to him were aware that he struggled with personal demons. Following the filming of the show, Erickson continued to deal with mental health challenges.
Though the show Terror in the Woods focused on external threats—the "terror" coming from outside sources—Erickson was fighting a much more difficult, internal battle. He suffered from depression, a condition that can be exacerbated by the isolation of living in the woods, despite the presence of a loved one.
The Circumstances of His Death
Weste Erickson passed away on March 23, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. He was just 22 years old.
According to official reports and an autopsy performed by the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, the cause of death was ruled an accident resulting from acute heroin and methamphetamine toxicity. Essentially, Weste suffered a fatal drug overdose.
The reports indicate that Erickson had a history of substance abuse. On the day of his passing, he was found unresponsive in an apartment. Despite efforts by emergency services, he could not be revived. The medical examiner's report listed the manner of death as "accident," noting the mixture of drugs in his system proved fatal.
The Defense and Dismissal
The producers moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Terror in the Woods is an entertainment program and that Weste signed a release acknowledging the content was for "dramatic purposes."
In a key ruling, the judge noted that while the timing was tragic, there was no direct evidence that the TV show caused Cody to pick up a hammer. The wrongful death lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in late 2023, though the family has indicated they may appeal.