The Mystery of the Death Valley Germans

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck discuss the unsolved mystery of the Death Valley Germans, a family of four German tourists who disappeared in Death Valley National Park in July 1996. They detail the family's itinerary, the discovery of their abandoned minivan, and the initial investigation that yielded few clues. The hosts explore various theories surrounding the disappearance, including intentional disappearance, involvement with criminals, and a connection to a nearby military testing facility. Ultimately, they highlight the efforts of Tom Mahood, a retired civil engineer and desert explorer, who meticulously investigated the case years later and successfully located the remains of the family, piecing together the tragic events that led to their demise due to the extreme conditions and navigational errors.