Dennis Avner, who chose to go by his Native American (Huron) name “Stalking Cat” and who underwent numerous extreme body modifications to better relate to his feline totem, passed away at his home in Tonopah, NV on November 5, 2012. The cause of death has not been determined, although ModBlog reports that he ended his own life. Avner was a U.S. Navy veteran who supported himself as a programmer and technician, and made the circuit of Ripley’s Believe It or Not events around the world.

I’ve been aware of Mr. Avner’s existence for some time, and all I have ever heard of him – other than the obvious curiosity – was that he was an exceptionally nice individual. My heart goes out to his family and friends, and I can only hope he has found peace.

The Old Wolf has spoken.