Jeffrey Meldrum, Renowned Biologist Who Explored Bigfoot's Footprints, Dies at 67

POCATELLO, Idaho — Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, a distinguished professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University whose groundbreaking—and at times controversial—research into the potential existence of Sasquatch captivated both scientific circles and the public imagination, passed away on October 16, 2025, at his home in Pocatello.

He was 67.

His family confirmed his passing, though the cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Dr. Meldrum's career was marked by a passionate pursuit of understanding hominoid locomotion and morphology, particularly as it applied to the study of primate footprints, and most famously, the elusive creature known as Bigfoot.

Born on February 20, 1958, in Washington state, Jeffrey Meldrum developed an early fascination with the natural world.

He earned his Ph.D. in anatomical sciences from Stony Brook University, specializing in physical anthropology. He joined the faculty at Idaho State University in 1993, where he built a reputation as a dedicated educator and a meticulous researcher of bipedalism, the study of two-legged locomotion.

While his academic work included extensive research on early hominids and the evolution of human walking, Dr.

Meldrum became a public figure through his willingness to apply scientific rigor to the study of Sasquatch. He maintained an extensive collection of alleged Bigfoot footprints, using advanced forensic techniques and biomechanical analysis to assess their authenticity. Unlike many in mainstream academia who dismissed the subject outright, Meldrum approached the topic with an open mind, insisting on evidence-based inquiry.

This unconventional path brought him both accolades and considerable skepticism.

He authored 'Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science' (2006), a seminal work that meticulously laid out his findings and arguments for the potential biological reality of an unknown hominoid. He appeared on numerous television documentaries and scientific programs, always advocating for a dispassionate, scientific approach to what many considered purely folklore.

Critics often questioned his focus on a creature widely regarded as mythical, fearing it detracted from his legitimate scientific contributions.

Yet, Dr. Meldrum steadfastly defended his work, arguing that true scientific exploration demands investigation into unexplained phenomena, even those that challenge conventional wisdom. He believed that dismissing evidence without examination was unscientific itself.

Beyond his Bigfoot research, Dr.

Meldrum was a respected expert in primate locomotion, contributing significantly to our understanding of the evolution of bipedalism in human ancestors. He published numerous peer-reviewed articles in prestigious scientific journals on topics ranging from foot morphology to the biomechanics of walking in various primate species.

His colleagues remember him as a brilliant and courageous scholar who dared to cross disciplinary boundaries and challenge established paradigms.

His students lauded his engaging teaching style and his unwavering encouragement of critical thinking, regardless of the subject matter.

Dr. Meldrum is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their children. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to spark debate and inspire future generations of scientists to look beyond the obvious, perhaps even into the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, with a renewed sense of curiosity and scientific inquiry.