Grinning Man (Indrid Cold)
A tall man with an unnaturally wide grin appeared during the Mothman wave. He communicated telepathically. His name was Indrid Cold. He predicted the Silver Bridge disaster. He was never seen again.
Indrid Cold is Mothman’s strangest companion mystery.
The First Encounter
In October 1966, Woodrow Derenberger was driving near Parkersburg when a vehicle pulled alongside. The occupant communicated telepathically, saying “My name is Indrid Cold.”
The Description
His unnerving appearance included being very tall with a dark complexion and an unnaturally wide grin that never changed expression. He communicated telepathically.
The Messages
What he said included “I mean you no harm.” He claimed to be from another world, predicted future events, warned of disaster, and left as mysteriously as he arrived.
The Mothman Connection
Occurring at the same time and place in Point Pleasant during 1966-1967, multiple phenomena appeared to be related somehow as part of the same wave.
Derenberger’s Life
After contact, he claimed ongoing communication and wrote a book. His relationships suffered and his credibility was questioned, but he never recanted.
Cultural Impact
His legacy includes appearing in “The Mothman Prophecies,” being featured in both book and film. This strange mystery was never explained, making him an unforgettable figure.