Police had suspected he fell overboard and drowned, after finding only his wallet and keys on board. But there was also speculation that he faked his own death to escape mounting debt and child support.
Over the last few years there have apparently been 16 sightings of McDermott in Mexico. This week, news broke that McDermott is indeed alive and well. He allegedly sent private detectives in the U.S. a faxed message from Mexico, insisting that he was alive but begging to be left alone.
"Pat has asked that I portray to you his innocence. Pat has committed no crime. Pat simply wishes to be left alone. Let him live his life in peace and harmony. He is safe and has started anew again in a new place both physically and mentally. Stop this search immediately."The U.S. Coast Guard says it will not open the investigation -- closed in 2006 -- into McDermott's disappearance. Wait, so that's it? The guy fakes his own death... and he gets to stay dead? More here: Is Olivia Newton-John's missing beau Patrick McDermott still alive?
