In September 2016, Oregon native Justin Alexander Shetler embarked on a spiritual journey in India’s Parvati Valley, carrying little more than a walking stick and a woolen wrap. He was never seen again.
Shetler’s story, filled with intrigue and unanswered questions, is now the focus of the Tenderfoot TV podcast "Status: Untraced," hosted by Liam Luxon. Luxon aims to uncover what happened to Shetler, a 43-year-old survival expert known for his ability to live off the grid.
"Justin is a survival expert," Luxon told Fox News Digital. "He knows how to speak bird language and lived in a cave. One of his last blog posts said, 'I should be back, but if I’m not back by then, don’t come looking for me.' It was weird – everything was really, really weird."
Shetler’s journey led him to the Parvati Valley, a place both beautiful and perilous. Known for its narrow roads and deep cliffs, the valley has claimed many lives, earning the nickname "The Valley of Death." Since Shetler's disappearance, several theories have surfaced, ranging from accidental death to more sinister possibilities involving local criminal elements.
Luxon’s investigation involved conversations with Shetler’s friends, family, and survival trainers. He discovered that Shetler had met an Indian holy man who invited him on a trek to a sacred site where the Hindu god Shiva is believed to have meditated. Shetler was last seen heading to this site with two companions.
Despite extensive searching, Shetler's iPhone and other belongings were never found, and there’s no evidence he returned to the United States. Luxon believes the podcast could bring new leads and provide closure to those still wondering what happened to Shetler.
"Justin had given up everything to travel and inspire others to find their purpose," Luxon reflected. "Even though I never met him, I feel like I know him. His disappearance is a heavy loss, but his legacy of inspiring others to seek authenticity and adventure remains."
The podcast "Status: Untraced" continues to delve into the mystery, hoping to shed light on Shetler's fate and inspire others with his story.
