Investigators eventually find the hikers’ cameras and develop the film. Most of the photographs (many of which are reproduced in Eichar’s book) are ordinary, but one is strange. The last photograph taken by Georgy’s camera shows a “large smear of light running up and off” (278) an otherwise dark frame. Many people connect this strange image to the orb or rocket theory.

For his part, Ivanov is initially convinced that nothing could have forced the hikers from their tent except the arrival of people who murdered them. However, after Ivanov is called to Moscow for a meeting, he drops the murder theory and the orb theory, becoming strict and discouraging all forms of speculation. In a 1990 letter, Ivanov admits that members of the Communist Party told him to avoid discussing murder, weapons testing, or UFOs “for the good of his country” (280).

In 1959, the search parties continue through March and April. On May 3, searchers finally find a ravine. In it, they locate a bundle of clothing and the four remaining hikers. One is Lyuda, who has no shoes but two socks on one foot. Two of the three men are embracing. Lev Ivanov orders the bodies to be evacuated immediately, as they are already in an advanced state of decomposition.