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{{Short description|Alleged 1973 alien abduction in Mississippi}}
{{Short description|Alleged 1973 alien abduction in Mississippi}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Calvin Parker
| name = Calvin Parker
| image = Calvin-Parker.jpg
| image = Calvin-Parker.jpg
| caption = Calvin Parker at The 2019 [[International UFO Congress]] in Phoenix, Arizona.
| caption = Calvin Parker (left) at the 2019 [[International UFO Congress]] in Phoenix, Arizona
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1954}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1954|11|2}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| death_date = {{death date|2023|8|24}}
| death_date = {{death date and given age|2023|8|24|68}}
| death_place =
| death_place =
| known_for = Alleged abduction
| known_for = Alleged abduction
}}
}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Charles Hickson
| name = Charles Hickson
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_date = April 16, 1931<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://obits.gulflive.com/us/obituaries/gulflive/name/charles-hickson-obituary?pid=153608839|title = Charles e. Hickson Sr. Obituary (2011) Mississippi Press}}</ref>
| birth_date = April 16, 1931<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://obits.gulflive.com/us/obituaries/gulflive/name/charles-hickson-obituary?pid=153608839|title = Charles e. Hickson Sr. Obituary (2011) Mississippi Press}}</ref>
| birth_place=
| birth_place =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2011|9|9|1931|4|16}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2011|9|9|1931|4|16}}
| death_place =
| death_place =
| known_for = Alleged abduction
| known_for = Alleged abduction
}}
}}
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
| above = Alleged abduction of Charles&nbsp;Hickson, Calvin&nbsp;Parker
| above = Alleged abduction of Charles&nbsp;Hickson, Calvin&nbsp;Parker
| abovestyle = font-size:100%;
| abovestyle = font-size:100%;
| label1 = Location
| label1 = Location
| data1 = [[Pascagoula River]], [[Mississippi]]
| data1 = [[Pascagoula River]], [[Mississippi]]
}}
}}


The '''Pascagoula Abduction''' was an alleged [[UFO]] sighting and [[alien abduction]] in 1973, in which Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker claimed they were abducted by [[extraterrestrial life|aliens]] while fishing near [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]].
The '''Pascagoula Abduction''' was an alleged [[UFO]] sighting and [[alien abduction]] in 1973, in which Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker claimed they were abducted and examined before being released by [[extraterrestrial life|aliens]] while fishing near [[Pascagoula, Mississippi]].


[[File:Mississippi-Coast-towns-NOAA.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Map showing coastal route [[U.S. Route 90|US 90]], connecting '''Pascagoula''' with '''Ocean Springs''', Mississippi.]]
[[File:Mississippi-Coast-towns-NOAA.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Map showing coastal route [[U.S. Route 90|US 90]], connecting Pascagoula with Ocean Springs, Mississippi.]]


==Alleged abduction==
==Alleged abduction==
On the evening of October 11, 1973, 42-year-old Charles Hickson and 19-year-old Calvin Parker told the [[Jackson County, Mississippi]] Sheriff's office they were [[fishing]] off a pier on the west bank of the [[Pascagoula River]] in [[Mississippi]] when they heard a whirring/whizzing sound, saw two flashing blue lights, and observed an oval shaped object 30–40 feet across and 8–10 feet high. Parker and Hickson claimed they were "conscious but paralyzed" while three "creatures" with "robotic slit-mouths" and "crab-like pincers" took them aboard the object and subjected them to an examination.<ref name=AP2>{{cite news|last1=Amy|first1=Jeff|title=Man says 1973 UFO incident turned life upside down|url=http://www.twincities.com/nation/ci_24287714/man-says-1973-ufo-incident-turned-life-upside|access-date=25 February 2015|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Twin Cities Pioneer Press|date=October 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name=AP>{{cite news|title=Mississippian recalls night of abduction on spaceship|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19870809&id=ZABHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_v0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2467,1458223|access-date=25 February 2015|agency=Associated Press|date=August 9, 1987}}</ref>
On the evening of October 11, 1973, 42-year-old Charles Hickson and 19-year-old Calvin Parker told the [[Jackson County, Mississippi]], sheriff's office they were [[fishing]] off a pier on the west bank of the [[Pascagoula River]] in [[Mississippi]] when they heard a whirring/whizzing sound, saw two flashing blue lights, and observed an oval shaped object {{convert|30|–|40|ft|m|0}} across and {{convert|8|–|10|ft|m|0}} high. Parker and Hickson claimed they were "conscious but paralyzed" while three "creatures" with "robotic slit-mouths" and "crab-like pincers" took them aboard the object and subjected them to an examination.<ref name=AP2>{{cite news|last1=Amy|first1=Jeff|title=Man says 1973 UFO incident turned life upside down|url=http://www.twincities.com/nation/ci_24287714/man-says-1973-ufo-incident-turned-life-upside|access-date=25 February 2015|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Twin Cities Pioneer Press|date=October 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name=AP>{{cite news|title=Mississippian recalls night of abduction on spaceship|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19870809&id=ZABHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_v0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2467,1458223|access-date=25 February 2015|agency=Associated Press|date=August 9, 1987}}</ref><ref name="Brockwell2019">{{cite news |last1=Brockell |first1=Gillian |title=The men claimed they were abducted by aliens. In Mississippi, police believed them. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/06/26/i-floated-inside-man-returns-site-ufo-abduction-it-gets-historical-marker/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 26, 2019}}</ref>


==Publicity and later activities==
==Publicity and later activities==
Following the incident, Hickson gave interviews and lectures, appeared on television (including an episode of the game show ''[[To Tell The Truth]]''),<ref>''[[To Tell the Truth]]'', episode taped November 20th, 1973</ref> in 1974 claimed additional encounters with aliens, and in 1983 authored a self-published book ''UFO Contact at Pascagoula''.<ref name=CSI>{{cite web|last1=Nickell|first1=Joe|title=Famous Alien Abduction in Pascagoula: Reinvestigating a Cold Case |url=http://www.csicop.org/si/show/famous_alien_abduction_in_pascagoula_reinvestigating_a_cold_case/|website=Csicop.org|date=May 2012|publisher=Committee For Skeptical Inquiry|access-date=25 February 2015}}</ref> Parker later attended UFO conventions, and in 1993 started a company called "UFO Investigations" to produce television stories about UFOs.<ref name=AP2 /><ref name="Kurtz2013" />
Following the incident, Hickson gave interviews and lectures, appeared on television (including an episode of the game show ''[[To Tell The Truth]]''),<ref>''[[To Tell the Truth]]'', episode taped November 20th, 1973</ref> in 1974 claimed additional encounters with aliens, and in 1983 authored a self-published book ''UFO Contact at Pascagoula''.<ref name=CSI>{{cite web|last1=Nickell|first1=Joe|title=Famous Alien Abduction in Pascagoula: Reinvestigating a Cold Case |url=http://www.csicop.org/si/show/famous_alien_abduction_in_pascagoula_reinvestigating_a_cold_case/|website=Csicop.org|date=May 2012|publisher=Committee For Skeptical Inquiry|access-date=25 February 2015}}</ref> Parker later attended UFO conventions, and in 1993 started a company called "UFO Investigations" to produce television stories about UFOs.<ref name=AP2 /><ref name="Kurtz2013" />

In September 2011, Hickson died of a heart attack at the age of 80.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mississippi man who said he was abducted by aliens dies |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ufo-captive-idUSTRE78C66R20110913 |access-date=October 23, 2023 |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=September 14, 2011}}</ref>

In 2018, Parker released his book, entitled ''Pascagoula: The Closest Encounter, My Story'', which is "the first full account of the event given by Parker along with how it affected his life".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broom |first1=Brian |title=Alien abduction: 45 years after alleged UFO encounter, Mississippi man breaks his silence |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/2018/08/13/alien-abduction-45-years-after-ufo-encounter-mississippi-man-breaks-his-silence/922706002/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |work=The Clarion Ledger |date=July 6, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Broom2023">{{cite news |last1=Broom |first1=Brian |title='It completely changed my life': Calvin Parker, MS man allegedly abducted by aliens, has died |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2023/09/02/calvin-parker-alleged-victim-of-1973-alien-abduction-has-died/70706499007/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |work=The Clarion Ledger |date=September 2, 2023}}</ref>

On June 22, 2019, a historical marker was unveiled at the site of the alleged abduction, funded by the historical society and with placement approved by the city. Parker attended the unveiling, as did Hickson's son and family. Parker stated, "It is emotional for me. I can't really describe it because I would break out in tears if I do. I wish when I died I could be buried right here underneath this plaque, that would explain it the best. It is quite an honor."<ref>{{cite news |title=Historical marker unveiled honoring possible alien abduction in Pascagoula |url=https://www.wlox.com/2019/06/23/historical-marker-unveiled-honoring-possible-alien-abduction-pascagoula/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |publisher=WLOX |date=June 23, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Brockwell2019"/>

Parker died from kidney cancer in August 2023 at the age of 68.<ref name="Broom2023"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Calvin Parker, who claimed he was abducted by aliens in Pascagoula in 1973, has died |url=https://www.wlox.com/2023/09/02/calvin-parker-who-claimed-he-was-abducted-by-aliens-pascagoula-1973-has-died/ |access-date=October 23, 2023 |publisher=WLOX |date=September 3, 2023}}</ref>


==Skepticism==
==Skepticism==
Aviation journalist and UFO skeptic [[Philip J. Klass]] found "discrepancies" in Hickson's story, noted that Hickson refused to take a [[polygraph]] exam conducted by an experienced examiner, and concluded that the case was a hoax. Skeptical investigator [[Joe Nickell]] wrote that Hickson's behavior was "questionable" and that Hickson later altered or embellished his claims. Nickell speculated that Hickson may have fantasized the alien encounter during a [[hypnagogic]] "waking dream state", and suggested that Parker's corroboration of the tale was likely due to suggestibility because he initially told police he had "passed out at the beginning of the incident and failed to regain consciousness until it was over",<ref name=CSI/><ref name="Kurtz2013">{{cite book|author=Paul Kurtz|title=The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PQh6AAAAQBAJ&pg=PT442|date=10 September 2013|publisher=Prometheus Books|isbn=978-1-61614-828-7|pages=442–}}</ref> a claim supported by Hickson during his ''[[To Tell the Truth]]'' appearance.
Aviation journalist and UFO skeptic [[Philip J. Klass]] found "discrepancies" in Hickson's story, noted that Hickson refused to take a [[polygraph]] exam conducted by an experienced examiner, and concluded that the case was a hoax.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Nickell |first1=Joe |title=Famous Alien Abduction in Pascagoula: Reinvestigating a Cold Case |url=https://cdn.centerforinquiry.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2012/05/22164303/p12.pdf |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |volume=36|number=3|date=2012 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Picknett |first1=Lynn |title=The Mammoth Book of UFOs |date=2001 |publisher=[[Constable & Robinson]] |isbn=1-84119-075-6 |page=195 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9WSeBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT195}}</ref> Skeptical investigator [[Joe Nickell]] wrote that Hickson's behavior was "questionable" and that Hickson later altered or embellished his claims. Nickell speculated that Hickson may have fantasized the alien encounter during a [[hypnagogic]] "waking dream state", and suggested that Parker's corroboration of the tale was likely due to suggestibility because he initially told police he had "passed out at the beginning of the incident and failed to regain consciousness until it was over",<ref name=CSI/><ref name="Kurtz2013">{{cite book|author=Paul Kurtz|title=The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PQh6AAAAQBAJ&pg=PT442|date=10 September 2013|publisher=Prometheus Books|isbn=978-1-61614-828-7|pages=442–}}</ref> a claim supported by Hickson during his ''[[To Tell the Truth]]'' appearance.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 47: Line 55:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.calvin-parker.com Information about the Pascagoula Abduction and Calvin Parker's Book.]
*[http://www.calvin-parker.com Information about the Pascagoula Abduction and Calvin Parker's book.]
*[http://www.nicap.org/reports/731011pascagoula_hicksontape.htm All They Meant To Do Was Go Fishing] ([[NICAP]] transcript of an interview with Hickson and Parker)
*[http://www.nicap.org/reports/731011pascagoula_hicksontape.htm "All They Meant To Do Was Go Fishing"] ([[NICAP]] transcript of an interview with Hickson and Parker)
*Nickell, Joe. "The Pascagoula Abduction: A Case of Hypnagogia?" in Ballester-Olmos, V.J., and Heiden, Richard W. (Eds.), ''[https://www.academia.edu/101922617/The_Reliability_of_UFO_Witness_Testimony The Reliability of UFO Witness Testimony]''. UPIAR, Turin, Italy (2023), pp. 137-140. <nowiki>ISBN 9791281441002</nowiki>.
*Nickell, Joe. "The Pascagoula Abduction: A Case of Hypnagogia?" in Ballester-Olmos, V.J., and Heiden, Richard W. (Eds.), ''[https://www.academia.edu/101922617/The_Reliability_of_UFO_Witness_Testimony The Reliability of UFO Witness Testimony]''. UPIAR, Turin, Italy (2023), pp.&nbsp;137–140. {{ISBN |9791281441002}}.


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Latest revision as of 19:23, 26 June 2024

Calvin Parker
Calvin Parker (left) at the 2019 International UFO Congress in Phoenix, Arizona
Born(1954-11-02)November 2, 1954
Died (aged 68)
Known forAlleged abduction
Charles Hickson
BornApril 16, 1931[1]
DiedSeptember 9, 2011(2011-09-09) (aged 80)
Known forAlleged abduction
Alleged abduction of Charles Hickson, Calvin Parker
LocationPascagoula River, Mississippi

The Pascagoula Abduction was an alleged UFO sighting and alien abduction in 1973, in which Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker claimed they were abducted and examined before being released by aliens while fishing near Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Map showing coastal route US 90, connecting Pascagoula with Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Alleged abduction

[edit]

On the evening of October 11, 1973, 42-year-old Charles Hickson and 19-year-old Calvin Parker told the Jackson County, Mississippi, sheriff's office they were fishing off a pier on the west bank of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi when they heard a whirring/whizzing sound, saw two flashing blue lights, and observed an oval shaped object 30–40 feet (9–12 m) across and 8–10 feet (2–3 m) high. Parker and Hickson claimed they were "conscious but paralyzed" while three "creatures" with "robotic slit-mouths" and "crab-like pincers" took them aboard the object and subjected them to an examination.[2][3][4]

Publicity and later activities

[edit]

Following the incident, Hickson gave interviews and lectures, appeared on television (including an episode of the game show To Tell The Truth),[5] in 1974 claimed additional encounters with aliens, and in 1983 authored a self-published book UFO Contact at Pascagoula.[6] Parker later attended UFO conventions, and in 1993 started a company called "UFO Investigations" to produce television stories about UFOs.[2][7]

In September 2011, Hickson died of a heart attack at the age of 80.[8]

In 2018, Parker released his book, entitled Pascagoula: The Closest Encounter, My Story, which is "the first full account of the event given by Parker along with how it affected his life".[9][10]

On June 22, 2019, a historical marker was unveiled at the site of the alleged abduction, funded by the historical society and with placement approved by the city. Parker attended the unveiling, as did Hickson's son and family. Parker stated, "It is emotional for me. I can't really describe it because I would break out in tears if I do. I wish when I died I could be buried right here underneath this plaque, that would explain it the best. It is quite an honor."[11][4]

Parker died from kidney cancer in August 2023 at the age of 68.[10][12]

Skepticism

[edit]

Aviation journalist and UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass found "discrepancies" in Hickson's story, noted that Hickson refused to take a polygraph exam conducted by an experienced examiner, and concluded that the case was a hoax.[13][14] Skeptical investigator Joe Nickell wrote that Hickson's behavior was "questionable" and that Hickson later altered or embellished his claims. Nickell speculated that Hickson may have fantasized the alien encounter during a hypnagogic "waking dream state", and suggested that Parker's corroboration of the tale was likely due to suggestibility because he initially told police he had "passed out at the beginning of the incident and failed to regain consciousness until it was over",[6][7] a claim supported by Hickson during his To Tell the Truth appearance.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Charles e. Hickson Sr. Obituary (2011) Mississippi Press".
  2. ^ a b Amy, Jeff (October 11, 2013). "Man says 1973 UFO incident turned life upside down". Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Associated Press. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  3. ^ "Mississippian recalls night of abduction on spaceship". Associated Press. August 9, 1987. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  4. ^ a b Brockell, Gillian (June 26, 2019). "The men claimed they were abducted by aliens. In Mississippi, police believed them". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  5. ^ To Tell the Truth, episode taped November 20th, 1973
  6. ^ a b Nickell, Joe (May 2012). "Famous Alien Abduction in Pascagoula: Reinvestigating a Cold Case". Csicop.org. Committee For Skeptical Inquiry. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  7. ^ a b Paul Kurtz (10 September 2013). The Transcendental Temptation: A Critique of Religion and the Paranormal. Prometheus Books. pp. 442–. ISBN 978-1-61614-828-7.
  8. ^ "Mississippi man who said he was abducted by aliens dies". Reuters. September 14, 2011. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  9. ^ Broom, Brian (July 6, 2021). "Alien abduction: 45 years after alleged UFO encounter, Mississippi man breaks his silence". The Clarion Ledger. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Broom, Brian (September 2, 2023). "'It completely changed my life': Calvin Parker, MS man allegedly abducted by aliens, has died". The Clarion Ledger. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "Historical marker unveiled honoring possible alien abduction in Pascagoula". WLOX. June 23, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "Calvin Parker, who claimed he was abducted by aliens in Pascagoula in 1973, has died". WLOX. September 3, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  13. ^ Nickell, Joe (2012). "Famous Alien Abduction in Pascagoula: Reinvestigating a Cold Case" (PDF). Skeptical Inquirer. 36 (3). Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Picknett, Lynn (2001). The Mammoth Book of UFOs. Constable & Robinson. p. 195. ISBN 1-84119-075-6.
[edit]

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