TL;DR
Erich von Däniken, author of Chariots of the Gods and a central figure in ancient-astronaut thought, died on January 10, 2026. His estate and associated research circles announced the death on his official website and asked the public to leave messages on the homepage rather than sending calls or letters.
What happened
Erich von Däniken, the Swiss author known for promoting the idea that extraterrestrials influenced early human cultures, died on January 10, 2026, according to an announcement on his official site. The notice lists his birth date as April 14, 1935, and directs readers to an official German-language obituary PDF. The message says family members and long-time collaborators are mourning and states that his Research Society for Archaeology, Astronautics, and SETI (A.A.S.) and others in the Paleo-SETI community received the news with dismay. The announcement also asks that people refrain from offering condolences by telephone or written letters; those who wish to leave a message in his memory are invited to do so via the homepage (evd.ch). The site reiterates Von Däniken’s long-running thesis about ancient extraterrestrial contact and highlights his decades of publications and influence on popular media.
Why it matters
- Von Däniken was a highly influential popular author whose work shaped public interest in ancient-astronaut hypotheses and related media.
- His death removes a leading, longstanding voice from debates around interpretations of archaeological and mythological records.
- Communities centered on Paleo-SETI research and his affiliated society (A.A.S.) have signaled their dismay, indicating an organizational and cultural impact.
- The announcement and the availability of an official obituary in German will likely prompt response and assessment from readers, scholars, and media outlets.
Key facts
- Full name presented on the site: Erich von Däniken.
- Birth date given as April 14, 1935; death reported as January 10, 2026.
- Age at death: 90 years (based on the dates provided).
- Author of Chariots of the Gods and credited on the site with a total of 49 published volumes.
- The site describes him as a pioneer of the theory that extraterrestrials influenced early human cultures (Paleo-SETI).
- His Research Society for Archaeology, Astronautics, and SETI (A.A.S.) is referenced in the announcement as having reacted to the news.
- An official obituary PDF is available on his site, currently only in German.
- The family asked that condolences not be sent by telephone or in writing; messages may be left via his homepage (https://evd.ch/).
- The site emphasizes his stated approach: seven decades of research, illustrated recent books, and an effort to use verifiable sources.
What to watch next
- Whether the official German obituary will be translated or updated in other languages — not confirmed in the source.
- Any public statements or tributes from academic, media, or film communities that engaged with his work — not confirmed in the source.
- Announcements about memorials, services, or how his research society (A.A.S.) will commemorate him — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Ancient astronaut theory: The idea that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in antiquity and influenced human cultures, technologies, or religions.
- Paleo-SETI: A field of thought and research that investigates possible contacts between ancient human societies and extraterrestrial intelligences.
- A.A.S. (Research Society for Archaeology, Astronautics, and SETI): An organization associated with study and promotion of ideas linking archaeology, astronautics, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
- Obituary: A public notice announcing a person's death, often summarizing their life and achievements.
Reader FAQ
When did Erich von Däniken die?
The official site reports his death on January 10, 2026.
What is he best known for?
He is known for Chariots of the Gods and for popularizing the hypothesis that extraterrestrials influenced early human cultures.
How many books did he publish?
The site lists 49 titles authored by him.
Are funeral arrangements or a cause of death provided?
Not confirmed in the source.
Where should condolences be sent?
The family asked that people refrain from telephone or written condolences; messages in his memory can be left on his homepage (https://evd.ch/).
Our events in 2025 Click here! My aspirations and why Click here! Biography Erich von Däniken, born in 1935 in Switzerland, is the pioneer of the theory of extraterrestrial influences…
Sources
- Erich von Däniken has died
- Erich von Däniken, Swiss writer who spawned alien …
- Erich von Däniken, Who Claimed Aliens Visited Earth, Dies …
- Erich von Daeniken, Swiss author who popularised ancient …
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