James Dallas Egbert III
James Dallas Egbert III entered the world on the 29th of October 1962 in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up in Huber Heights, a suburb of that city. Wayne High School educated him before he became a child prodigy. The university system accepted him at age 15 to study computer science. Personal struggles later cited included depression and loneliness. Reports also mentioned parental pressure and drug addiction. A private detective would later note difficulty with his homosexuality.
Egbert left Case Hall dormitory room on the 15th of August 1979. He wrote a suicide note before entering the steam tunnels below campus. Methaqualone consumption followed as an attempt to end his life. He survived the night and woke up the next day. Hiding began at a friend's house while police searched for him. Gen Con XII started that same day in Wisconsin. Some attendees claimed they saw him there during the convention.
Michael Stuart published details in The State News on August 24. An anonymous friend stated the student had left campus before for unknown destinations. William Dear learned Egbert played Dungeons & Dragons shortly after being hired. Investigators amplified theories linking the game to the disappearance. Students claimed live-action sessions occurred in the maintenance tunnels. Journalists described the role-playing game as a bizarre cult requiring invitation. This coverage spread throughout the United States media outlets.
Dear traveled to Louisiana after receiving a call from Morgan City. Egbert worked as a laborer at an oil field for four days. A cyanide compound attempt failed while he was in New Orleans. He moved between two houses in East Lansing before leaving via bus. The private investigator recovered him on the 13th of September 1979. Egbert asked Dear not to disclose his whereabouts during those weeks. Dear agreed and released the juvenile into uncle Marvin Gross custody.
The New York Times obituary noted Egbert transferred to Wright State University. He studied computer systems until dropping out last April 1980. Parents Anna and James Dallas Egbert 2d refused to comment on circumstances. Max Peterson confirmed death details were delayed for family notification. Dear visited the bedside feeling horrified by the brain-dead state. The parents declined making any comments regarding the missing months.
Egbert entered Grandview Hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 11th of August 1980. Doctors informed his parents he had no chance of survival within five days. Permission granted for organ transplants across several states including New Jersey. The youth died mid-afternoon but confirmation came at 10:30 P.M. His age was seventeen when he passed away on the 16th of August 1980. A computer network found recipients for the available organs.
William Dear authored The Dungeon Master in 1984 published by Houghton Mifflin. Random House released the paperback version in 1985. Sales of the Basic Set rose dramatically after the incident. Before the steam tunnel event, copies might have sold 5,000 per month. By end of 1979 trading reached over 30,000 copies monthly. The perceived link inspired books and movies like Mazes and Monsters.
Common questions
When and where was James Dallas Egbert III born?
James Dallas Egbert III entered the world on the 29th of October 1962 in Dayton, Ohio. He grew up in Huber Heights, a suburb of that city.
Why did James Dallas Egbert III leave Case Hall dormitory room on the 15th of August 1979?
James Dallas Egbert III left Case Hall dormitory room on the 15th of August 1979 after writing a suicide note before entering the steam tunnels below campus. Methaqualone consumption followed as an attempt to end his life.
How long did it take for William Dear to recover James Dallas Egbert III?
The private investigator recovered him on the 13th of September 1979. This occurred after Egbert moved between two houses in East Lansing before leaving via bus.
What caused the death of James Dallas Egbert III on the 16th of August 1980?
Egbert entered Grandview Hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the 11th of August 1980. The youth died mid-afternoon but confirmation came at 10:30 P.M. His age was seventeen when he passed away on the 16th of August 1980.
When did sales of Dungeons and Dragons Basic Set rise dramatically after the incident involving James Dallas Egbert III?
Before the steam tunnel event, copies might have sold 5,000 per month. By end of 1979 trading reached over 30,000 copies monthly.