The final moments of a prominent UFO researcher’s life have been laid bare in a minute-by-minute timeline released by police following intense public scrutiny of his death.
Authorities said 53-year-old David Wilcock personally called emergency services shortly before shooting himself outside his Colorado home on April 20.
The call was received at 10.44am local time, when Wilcock reportedly told dispatchers: ‘I need to leave,’ before stating he would be ‘to the left of the house.’
During the call, he spoke about ongoing health problems and mounting financial concerns, but refused to answer whether he was armed or planning to harm himself.
Deputies were dispatched immediately and arrived within minutes, approaching cautiously due to uncertainty about the presence of a weapon.
As officers drove toward the residence, Wilcock reportedly told dispatchers: ‘I’m sorry to put you through this,’ before disconnecting the call. Seconds later, deputies saw him sitting outside holding a gun to his head, prompting them to take cover and issue commands.
Moments after officers ordered him to drop the weapon, deputies witnessed him fire the fatal shot just seconds at 11.05am, ending the encounter in less than a minute.
The timeline, released by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office due to widespread public interest, details the rapidly unfolding sequence of events that culminated in Wilcock’s death outside his residence.
Authorities said 53-year-old David Wilcock personally called emergency services shortly before shooting himself outside his Colorado home on April 20. Pictured is Wilcock with Denis Richards
‘David Wilcock took his own life on April 20, 2026, after a long struggle with depression and overwhelming financial debt,’ the police report stated.
‘His family and chosen family hope this loss encourages more focused attention to mental health care access.’
According to officials, the first deputy reached the area at 10.53am but waited away from the property until backup arrived because it was unclear whether the caller posed a threat.
A second deputy arrived at 11.01am, and the two officers coordinated a plan to safely approach the home together.
Approximately three minutes later, just as deputies began driving up the property’s driveway, the call with dispatch ended after Wilcock apologized.
Within seconds of arriving, deputies observed Wilcock seated outside the residence with a firearm pressed to his head.
Officers immediately exited their vehicles and sought cover while assessing the situation.
At 11.04.02am, deputies reported hearing a single gunshot discharged in an unknown direction, though Wilcock remained alive and still holding the weapon.
Less than a minute later, deputies confirmed the firearm was still pointed at his head.
Authorities arrived at Wilcock’s home (pictured) to find him holding a gun, which he then shot himself with
At 11.05.24am, one deputy issued a direct command instructing him to put down the gun.
Just three seconds later, deputies witnessed him shoot himself. The timeline shows that from the moment deputies first saw him holding the firearm to the fatal shot, less than one minute elapsed.
Following the shooting, additional law enforcement personnel were called to the scene to secure the property and ensure no other individuals were present.
Deputies conducted a search of the residence and the surrounding area, confirming that no one else was inside or at risk.
Wilcock was pronounced deceased at the scene shortly afterward, and investigators began the formal death investigation process.
Two days later, on April 22, the Boulder County Coroner’s Office officially identified the decedent as David Wilcock after scientific confirmation and notification of next of kin.
Authorities said the decision to publicly release the detailed timeline was made in response to significant public attention surrounding the case, including widespread online speculation about the circumstances of his death.
The timeline release was made with the consent of Wilcock’s family, who acknowledged the high level of public interest but requested privacy as they mourned.
Wilcock’s family also said in the police record that he struggled with depression and financial burdens
The police report also addressed rumors circulating online that suggested foul play may have been involved.
Family members said there was no evidence of a cover-up, urging the public to respect their request for privacy during what they described as an extremely difficult time.
Wilcock, born on March 8, 1973, in Schenectady, New York, was widely known as a bestselling author and media personality who wrote extensively about UFOs, unidentified aerial phenomena, and paranormal subjects.
The investigation remains closed, with authorities classifying the death as a suicide.
