By Tim Binnall
Coast to Coast AM is deeply saddened to share the news that iconic UFO researcher Stanton T. Friedman has passed away at the age of 84. He is undoubtedly best known for being the first civilian investigator to research the landmark Roswell incident. His explosive uncovering of the mysterious 1947 event in New Mexico left an indelible mark on not only UFO studies, but the zeitgeist as well with 'Roswell' becoming synonymous with the phenomenon in the minds of millions of individuals around the world. A myriad of books, movies, TV shows, and other forms of media that explored the infamous incident can be traced back to Friedman putting Roswell on the proverbial map of UFO lore.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1934, he received BS and MS degrees in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1955 and 1956. Friedman subsequently spent the next 14 years working on advanced nuclear propulsion projects for such companies as General Electric, General Motors, and Westinghouse. On a whim in 1958, he purchased Air Force Captain Edward Ruppelt's book The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects and this sparked an interest in the UFO phenomenon which would change his life forever. He dove headlong into studying what were then known as flying saucers and began lecturing on the topic in 1967.
When the nuclear propulsion field withered in 1970, Friedman decided to pursue the UFO phenomenon as a full-time job, writing numerous papers on the topic and educating the public on the enigma through speaking engagements. Over the next five decades, Friedman lectured at over 600 colleges, more than 100 professional groups, in all 50 of the United States, each of the ten provinces of Canada, as well as 13 other countries. He also appeared on countless television and radio programs as a champion for the study of flying saucers and a powerful voice against skeptics whom he famously dubbed "nasty, noisy negativists." Along the way, he continued writing about the phenomenon, authoring or co-authoring six books on the subject.
As he settled into the role of elder statesman in the world of UFO studies, Friedman affectionately came to be known as the 'Father of Modern Day Ufology.' A beloved fixture in the community, his sharp wit, classic quips, and fastidious attention to detail when it came to the 'nuts and bolts' of flying saucers were legendary. And his indefatigable advocacy for the reality of the UFO phenomenon led to many considering him to be perhaps the greatest champion for the subject that the field has ever known.
Friedman will be fondly remembered for the many friendships he forged with fellow UFO researchers as well as other members of the paranormal community at large who came to know him over the course of his prodigious career. We thank him for his enormous contribution to the field of UFO studies and for the measureless memories he provided us for so many years.