Exceptionally Rare Cumberlandite Particle Among Those Identified From Tie DB Cooper Left Behind

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 1, 2024

RHODE ISLAND—A scientific analysis of particles lifted from a skinny black clip-on tie that infamous skyjacker DB Cooper left behind, has yielded what appears to be Cumberlandite—a stone rarer than diamond.

Much of what makes the find notable is that the only place in the world to find Cumberlandite is on a four-acre plot of land in Rhode Island. Moreover, it is a magnetic rock with a high iron and titanium content that is occasionally mistaken for a meteorite.

The find was uncovered by Eric Ulis—a noted DB Cooper expert who has appeared on History Channel, NETFLIX, Discovery Channel, and extensively in the media.

“This is a highly unusual and intriguing particle,” stated Ulis. He continued, “It suggests we’re dealing with someone who was studying the rock, probably because of its high titanium content. This is also consistent with what we know about the other tie particles, which point to a specialty metals environment.”

Ulis concluded, “I believe this is another strong indicator that DB Cooper came from Rem-Cru Titanium—later known as Crucible Steel—a major subcontractor for Boeing.”

Outcrop of Cumberlandite in Rhode Island (Photo courtesy of Eric Ulis. May be reproduced and used publicly.)

 

Piece of Cumberlandite (Photo courtesy of Eric Ulis. May be reproduced and used publicly)

 

Scanning Electron Microscope picture of the particle found from DB Cooper's clip-on tie (Photo courtesy of Tom Kaye. May be reproduced and used publicly)

 

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