‘Touching’ film explains story behind historic photo of man who delivered a message to the world before he was never seen again

Behind the image of a man delivering his final message to the world lies a truly tragic story.

After graduating from college in 1990, Chris McCandless decided to donate all his savings to undertake a two-year wilderness trek.

The 24-year-old was inspired by his favorite book The Call of the Wild by Jack London, about a dog named Buck who is stolen from his home and sold as a sled dog in Alaska.

Buck learns to survive in the wild by fighting his rivals and embracing his inner wolf.

But to McCandless’s regret, he was unable to survive the harsh realities of nature.

His story was first adapted as a book and then as a “touching” film, which was released in 2007.

Here you can watch the trailer for Into the wild below:

Directed by Sean Penn, the biographical drama is based on the book of the same name by Jon Krakauer and follows the life of McCandless, played by Emile Hirsch.

The young man left his comfortable life behind to explore the American wilderness and seek freedom.

After donating his savings, he changed his name to Alexander Supertramp and set off on a journey across the country.

Along the way, he met various characters, including Jan (Catherine Keener), Ron (Hal Holbrook) and Wayne (Vince Vaughn), who influenced his outlook on life.

A photo taken by Chris McCandless of himself in front of his makeshift home on the bus. (Wikimedia Commons)

However, his attempts to survive in the Alaskan wilderness were unsuccessful.

In real life, McCandless’ body was recovered by hikers who discovered it in a rusted bus where he lived. He weighed just 66 pounds when he was found.

The reason his story could be told to the world is because the university graduate recorded his final moments in a diary and took photographs.

In April 1992, he hitchhiked to Alaska with the last person to see him alive.

Electrician Jim Gallien said he was concerned about McCandless’s poor equipment because he had been advised to postpone the trip, but refused.

McCandless only had some rice to eat and a handful of books for entertainment.

McCandless holds his note. (Reddit/u/frituurgarnituur)

He carried a rifle for his protection, which marked the start of his 113-day survival mission in Alaska.

When McCandless realized his days were numbered, he left a message on the bus that read: “Attention, possible visitors. SOS, I need your help.”

“I am injured, near death, and too weak to walk out. I am all alone, this is no joke. In the name of God, please stay here to save me. I am currently gathering berries nearby and will be back tonight.

“Thanks, Chris McCandless. August?”

In the historic photo, his farewell message to the world read: “I have had a happy life and thank the Lord.”

“Goodbye and may God bless everyone!”

It is believed that McCandless either starved to death or died from eating wild plants.