How Alleged Killer John Tornow Became The Terrifying Wild Man of the Wynoochee
In the early 1910s, Washington state was petrified of a huge wild man who preferred living in the woods and was accused of murder
Those who operate on the fringes or beyond of society are frequently regarded with fear and suspicion. Sometimes, such reputations are earned, and in other instances people who want to be left alone or to live life on their own terms bring unwanted attention to themselves. It’s unclear what category John Tornow fell into, as he became known as the Wild Man of the Wynoochee after his penchant for living in the wilderness and allegations that he murdered his nephews surfaced.
Born in 1880, the eccentric Tornow became legendary in the rugged Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. Best known as the Wild Man of the Wynoochee, his story is a blend of tragedy and mystery that continues to swirl to this day.
Early on, Tornow showed an affinity for the outdoors. As a child, he preferred rambling through the forests near his home by himself over being in the company of others. He gradually became more comfortable with wild animals than with humans, putting him on the path that shaped his brief adult life.
