08/25/2026
Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum’s passing has left a quiet emptiness that is difficult to put into words. I still find it hard to accept that he is gone.
Jeff was far more than a respected speaker at my events. He was a trusted colleague, a personal friend, and one of the most important and influential figures in the serious study of Sasquatch. He brought credibility, scientific discipline, and an open yet critical mind to a subject too often dismissed without examination.
Over nearly two decades, I was honored to host Jeff nine times:
2005 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2006 — Bigfoot in Texas? museum exhibit at the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texan Cultures
2007 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2008 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2010 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2016 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2018 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2021 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
2024 — Texas Bigfoot Conference
One of my most treasured memories comes from the 2006 Bigfoot in Texas? exhibit, when Jeff presented me with the author’s proof of his landmark book, Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science. Inside, he wrote:
“Craig—
Congratulations on a successful exhibit and event. Here’s to a fruitful search!
All the best—
Jeff Meldrum”
That book remains the most treasured item in my Sasquatch collection—not merely because of its rarity or importance, but because Jeff personally inscribed it and placed it in my hands during such a memorable moment in our shared history.
Whenever Jeff appeared at one of my events, he generously shared his knowledge, research, and enthusiasm with our audiences. His presentations encouraged people to think more deeply, examine the evidence carefully, and approach the mystery with both curiosity and intellectual honesty. He had a rare ability to bring scientific rigor to the subject without losing sight of the wonder that drew so many of us to it in the first place.
Beyond his professional contributions, I will always treasure the conversations, laughter, and memories we shared over the years. His absence leaves an enormous void—not only in the field of Bigfoot research, but also in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him personally.
Jeff’s work will continue to guide the field, and his influence will endure in the many people he encouraged to look more carefully and think more deeply. I am grateful that our paths crossed and deeply honored to have called him my friend.
Rest in peace, Jeff. You will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection.
On August 30th, the life and legacy of Dr Jeff Meldrum is in focus! Watch Science & Sasquatch on our YouTube channel or on Stream Beacon TV and Fawesome!
Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum was a father, friend, and respected academic. His passing in 2025 left a void in the Sasquatch research field which is all but impossible to describe, both due to the breadth of his research and the number of lives he impacted. Today, his legacy continues through the researchers he mentored and inspired. Science & Sasquatch: The Legacy of Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum tells the story of his life and work through the eyes of those who knew him, as friends and colleagues share personal remembrances and describe his impact on the Sasquatch community.