Erich von Däniken (1935–2026): The Man Who Opened the Door to Ancient Astronaut Theory

By Anthony F. Sanchez, Author & UFO Researcher
For UFO Currents

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Erich von Däniken (1935–2026).

I had the esteemed pleasure of meeting Erich from October 18–21, 2012, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I was honored to be a speaker alongside him, George Noory, Linda Moulton Howe, Bill Birnes, Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, Phillip Coppens, Dr. Rita Louise, Marie D. Jones, Dr. John Ward, Ian Punnett, Dan Madsen, Nick Redfern, John Ventre, Scotty Roberts, Micah Hanks, and so many dear friends.

It was at the Paradigm Symposium that a dream came true for me, meeting Erich.

One moment from that weekend will stay with me forever... Imagine my surprise when Scotty Roberts seated me at dinner between Erich von Däniken and the late Phillip Coppens... two giants of our field. Sitting between them was an honor beyond words. Phillip passed away shortly after that weekend, but his presence was profound and his kindness unforgettable. Erich, too, was warm, gracious, and genuinely open to discussion on many subjects. For me, it felt like Christmas.

That same weekend, I unexpectedly appeared on Ancient Aliens after being interviewed... just a brief cameo on stage with Erich and the others, but one that became a lifelong memory.

In 2023, I had the great honor of writing about Erich in my book UFO Nexus. Exploring his work was an exercise in traversing the vast landscape of ancient astronaut theory, a journey shaped profoundly by Chariots of the Gods, and the ideas he so boldly shared with the world.

I was grateful then, and I remain grateful now.

May he rest in peace.
God bless him.

RIP Erich von Däniken

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