Mysterious Deaths of Sherlockians

[Donald A. Petkus]

Would anyone care to comment and add some information on the mysterious deaths and apparent suicides of so many Sherlockians?

I recently researched the death of Jack Tracy, who died in a strange traffic accident in Las Vegas. Tracy, of Encyclopedia Sherlockiana fame, was under suspcion of murdering his mother in Indiana. After an apparently bungled investigation, he moved to Las Vegas. Poilice said he died when he crossed several lanes of traffic to collide with an oncoming truck.

I think this might make an interesting topic for a paper or presentation at a scion. Does anyone have other cases that could be included? Thanks, Donald

[Scott Monty]

Jack Tracy was the subject of the 2001 Baker Street Journal Christmas Annual, which is now out of print. I don't have my copy with me, so I can't quote that section, but it did mention the accident.

[Donald A. Petkus]

Thanks. I have been trying to find documentation on him, but trying not to rehash unproven allegations. I suppose Sherlockians are no more (or less) vulnerable to untimely death than the population at large.

[Larry Feldman]

Actually, I think that most Sherlockians are old! I used to attend meetings of Doctor Watson's Neglected Patients in Denver, and find I was the youngest person in the room. As the years have gone by, this is no longer true. I am usually one of the three youngest.

My theory is: The group tends to skew old, and older people die more often than young people. Can anyone dispute this?

[Donald A. Petkus]

I agree with Mr. Feldman's theory. The classic bathtub (mortality) curve from population statistcs shows higher rates of mortality for the oldest and the youngest in a population. One immediate implication is the need to add younger people to the Sherlockian community to insure the work continues.

As clarification, I was thinking more of strange or questionable deaths and apparent suicides and accidents. Baron Gruner's wife in ILLU and the death of certain famous English Holmesians in the last few years are examples of unusual or questionable cases.

Maybe I'm letting my theory get in front of my data. Maybe the rate of "questionable" deaths among Sherlockians is not all that unusual considering the size of the population. The field does seem to attract some eccentrics as well as sound, charming people, though.

[Larry Feldman]

Which are you? :)

[Donald A. Petkus]

Hmm? I aspire to be sound, but I often operate in the hybrid eccentric and charming realm. Perhaps not as charming, sometimes :)

[John Clayton]

There is nothing mysterious about it whatsoever. The Baker Street Irregulars have relatively few invested members that are under the age of 50. This is true to a large extent in the scion societies because, as is often the case, retirees have more time to devote to Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, The Baker Street Irregulars have not encouraged younger people to pursue investiture. Regrettably, the BSI has not given adequate support to The Beacon Society, in spite of The BSI's avowed purpose, "... to keep green the memory of The Master." Since the Granada Television series ended, young people have not had an opportunity to discover Sherlock Holmes in the media in Canonical form. The films and television shows since that time have been dreadful.

Like it or not, Sherlock Holmes, as we know The Master from the Canon, is in some danger of becoming passe. Unless young people are encouraged to read the stories, we may be looking at something that will be dying along with the Baby Boom generation. The danger is very real. If you do not like to consider the worst case contingency, then it is time to do something about it. The Beacon Society deserves our support if the torch is to passed on to a new generation.

[John C. Sherwood]

I can't speak to Tracy, but my eyebrow went up when I saw your phrase "apparent suicides of so many Sherlockians." I can think of two, which of course isn't statistically significant. Just how many are you aware of?

[Will Thomas]

I suppose we are speaking of Richard Lancelyn Green. A tragic and unusual death for a man who did much for
Sherlockians in the 80's and 90's.

[William Sirman Th.M DC]

The love and interest (of a true fan) comes from the reading of the original stories: about ten years ago I was a substitute teacher at our town's High School. Computers had been placed in the library, and it was used as a study hall more than anything else. Many of the classics of literature had not been checked out of the library for ten years or more even than. The interest of reading (anything) the classics is sadly gone. If any member desires my assistance feel free to ask. I have completed Doctorates in Theology and Pastoral Counseling, and would be glad to help...