Movies

Uncover the Shocking Truth Behind Netflix’s Gold & Greed Treasure Hunt Documentary!

BBG News

For those unfamiliar, the concept of a contemporary treasure hunt might appear to be a futile pursuit for fools. However, a recently released Netflix documentary demonstrates that there’s a vibrant group of modern-day treasure hunters who see it as anything but foolish. Instead, they regard it as an exciting adventure.

Gold & Greed: The Pursuit of Fenn’s Hidden Treasure”

This series, now streaming in its entirety, recounts the real-life adventure spanning a decade as people sought a treasure chest packed with over $1 million in gold, gems, and other valuable items hidden within the Rocky Mountains. The quest was ignited by Forrest Fenn, an unconventional millionaire art dealer who placed the chest in the wilderness in 2010, following which he published a memoir containing a mysterious 24-line poem that offered hints about the treasure’s whereabouts.

The film titled Gold & Greed, helmed by Jared McGilliard and shot following the 2020 unearthing of the treasure, focuses on several relentless treasure seekers who were driven by Forrest Fenn’s challenge to dedicate years of their lives in pursuit of his hidden cache of wealth. This group includes retiree Cynthia Meachum, computer scientist Justin Posey, and the Hurst family duo. Although Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt ignited a spirit of adventure among many participants, this documentary delves into the sinister aspects of the pursuit that led to five fatalities, a chilling stalking incident, and a substantial amount of disheartening disappointment.

The search begins

The inspiration for the hunt originated with Fenn following his kidney cancer diagnosis in 1988. With a terminal prognosis, he initially intended to pen the puzzle poem, conceal the treasure, and eventually return to that same spot, taking his life as he wished someone would later find the wealth left at his burial site. However, when he unexpectedly recovered, he chose to hide the treasure nonetheless. Over two decades after his diagnosis, he self-published the poem in his memoir titled “The Thrill of the Chase“.

Unbeknownst to Fenn, his endeavors would eventually garner substantial media coverage and attract countless individuals eager to decipher his puzzle. Over time, this quest transformed into an enormous spectacle, captivating people not just casually but also driving some to the brink of fixation in their pursuit for the hidden treasure.

Controversy abounds

As a dedicated fan, I’ve got to admit that Fenn made it crystal clear that we shouldn’t hunt for the treasure in places where an 80-year-old man wouldn’t dare venture. But, as time went by, people started coming up with all sorts of outlandish theories to crack his riddle. This reckless pursuit often led inexperienced adventurers into perilous territories, and sadly, in 2016, Randy Bilyeu became the first casualty in this chase for the chest. His remains were eventually discovered along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico, over seven months after his ex-wife reported him missing.

Over the following four years, an additional four seekers tragically met their end. Despite appeals from ex-New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas and others to halt the quest, Fenn remained resolute, stating in a 2017 declaration, “I have pondered ending the search, but I’m unsure of what benefits that would bring.

According to the documentary, the quest not only yielded its intended findings but also several instances of unlawful actions such as trespassing, threats to Fenn and his family, and even stalking of Fenn’s granddaughter by someone who mistakenly thought she was the treasure itself. Despite these challenges, the production persisted.

The treasure is found

On June 6, 2020, I finally accomplished my two-year quest when I stumbled upon Forrest Fenn’s legendary treasure chest in an unspecified Wyoming location. The confirmation from Fenn himself on his blog, while keeping the finder’s identity and exact location under wraps, sent ripples of amazement and skepticism through the treasure hunting community. Many questioned its authenticity, but alas, Fenn passed away naturally a few months later in September 2020, leaving behind a mystery that will forever be etched in history.

Initially, Stueff wished to keep his identity hidden, but in December 2020, he chose to reveal himself publicly to avoid a baseless lawsuit that would have made his name known to the public, as he explained in a Medium essay. He had written about the ordeal of Forrest and his family, who faced stalkers, death threats, home invasions, frivolous lawsuits, and a potential kidnapping due to misguided beliefs related to the treasure. Stueff expressed concern that similar events might occur in his own life, stating, “I don’t want my family to experience what Forrest and his family went through.

In 2022, he decided to auction off most of the treasure found in Fenn’s riddle, fetching approximately $1.3 million in total. However, Stuef never disclosed the specific hiding spot, as depicted in the documentary. Later on, Posey managed to pinpoint a possible location in Yellowstone National Park using hints he noticed from photos taken at the site.

A new twist

Although unsuccessful in buying Fenn’s treasure at auction in 2022, Posey discloses in the final episode of Gold & Greed that he plans to emulate Fenn by launching his own treasure hunt. Interestingly, he also shares that he secretly included some clues during the filming of the Netflix series.

He mentions that only he is aware of the clues, not even the producers themselves. Therefore, it’s worth your while to pay close attention when you watch and listen.

Happy hunting, we guess.

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2025-03-28 01:06

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