EXCLUSIVE: He's Alive! U.S. Coast Guard Believes Olivia Newton-John's Ex Faked His Death; Living In Mexico
Aug. 10 2009, Published 4:41 a.m. ET
In a curious development in the mysterious disappearance of Pat McDermott - Olivia Newton-John's missing ex boyfriend- a representative for the U.S. Coast Guard told RadarOnline.com exclusively that they believe he faked his own death four years ago to escape mounting financial troubles.
But in an abrupt turnabout, hours after the first statement from the Coast Guard, a more senior spokesperson weighed in and said that they are no longer part of the investigation and disputed the earlier account. The case in now in the hands of the LAPD.
It all adds to the confusion and controversy surrounding McDermott’s disappearance- an unsolved mystery that has taken on a life of its own.
Fueling the mystery is a fax in which McDermott, through a so-called "representative", begs people to leave him alone and to stop searching for him.
Philip Klein of Klein Investigations of Beaumont, Texas tells RadarOnline.com that the fax was sent to his office last February. He's kept the letter under wraps until now, and RadarOnline.com can show it to you!
McDermott made headlines around the world when he disappeared on a fishing trip from San Pedro, California in 2005. Authorities felt certain that McDermott had fallen overboard and drowned.
The fact that his body was never found led to widespread speculation that McDermott may still be alive.
Klein's PI company -- which was hired to solve this mystery -- suspected McDermott, a bankrupt cameraman, staged his own death to escape sky-rocketing bills and cash in on a life insurance scam.
Last February Klein received a letter allegedly faxed on McDermott's behalf. In part, the fax said that McDermott was alive, well and innocent and begged people to "stop this search immediately!"
After investigators demanded further proof that McDermott was indeed alive, the friends of McDermott sent the investigation team a current photograph of him. However, the photo was very grainy.
Klein told RadarOnline.com: "This case is now 94 per cent solved. The remaining six per cent is to actually see McDermott sitting in front of my face."
Newton-John, 60, was reportedly heartbroken after McDermott's supposed death and took years to recover before marrying herb tycoon John Easterling in 2008.