READ: Dr. Jeff Meldrum, Leading Bigfoot Researcher and ISU Professor, Has Died at 67
The scientific community and the world of cryptozoology are mourning the loss of Dr. Jeff Meldrum, who passed away at the age of 67 following a brief battle with brain cancer. Surrounded by his family in his final moments, Dr. Meldrum is remembered not only as a respected scholar but also as a husband and father who cherished his loved ones.
Dr. Meldrum’s academic journey began at Brigham Young University, where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees with a specialization in vertebrate locomotion. He later completed his doctorate in anatomical sciences at Stony Brook University, focusing on biological anatomy.
For decades, he served as a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University, where he became a beloved educator and mentor. His students remember him for his passion, curiosity, and dedication to teaching—qualities that left a lasting impression on generations of young scientists.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Meldrum became widely known for his groundbreaking research into the mystery of Bigfoot. He approached the subject with scientific rigor, publishing academic papers, giving lectures, and appearing in documentaries that brought his work to a global audience.
His book Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science became one of the most influential works on the topic, examining the possibility of the creature’s existence through both folklore and scientific analysis. While controversial in some academic circles, Dr. Meldrum’s willingness to explore the unknown inspired countless enthusiasts and opened the door for serious discussions about phenomena often dismissed by mainstream science.
Beyond his research, Dr. Meldrum’s colleagues and friends describe him as a consummate gentleman—kind, humble, and generous with his time and knowledge. He was a frequent presence at conferences and public events, where his warmth and sincerity made him a beloved figure to both peers and the public.
Though his passing leaves a profound absence in the fields he championed, his legacy continues through his published works, his students, and the countless individuals inspired by his courage to pursue truth in the face of skepticism. As his family shared in their heartfelt statement, Dr. Meldrum’s greatest joy was not his academic or public achievements, but his role as a husband and father. Their request for privacy in this time of grief is a reminder of the man behind the research—someone whose love for his family was at the core of everything he did. The world has lost a pioneering researcher and a compassionate teacher, but Dr. Jeff Meldrum’s contributions will continue to shape both science and mystery for years to come.
