On November 2, 1966, Woody Derenberger was driving home from a business trip when he had an encounter that would change his life forever. While on Route 77 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Woody heard a crash behind him. In his mirror, he saw a brightly lit vehicle rushing up fast. He initially thought it was a car but soon realized it was something else when it flew over his van and hovered in front of him. Woody described the object as looking like a kerosene lamp lying on its side, emitting a deep hum.
Terrified, Woody watched as a door on the side of the craft opened, and a man, seemingly ordinary, stepped out. The man, who remained smiling, telepathically communicated with Woody, saying his name was Indrid Cold. They had a brief conversation about Woody’s life and the local area before Indrid returned to his ship, promising to see him again. This marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship between Woody and Indrid Cold.
This wasn’t Woody’s solitary experience with the extraterrestrial. Over time, Indrid introduced Woody to other members of his crew and their advanced technology. Woody even claimed to have visited Indrid’s home planet, Lanulos, a haven of peace and technological wonders where people lived much longer and simpler lives compared to Earth.
The encounters didn’t stop there. Woody also had an unsettling brush with hostile beings known as humanoids who looked human from afar but had distinct alien features up close. His interactions with them emphasized the diversity of extraterrestrial life he claimed to have witnessed.
Despite the fantastical nature of his story, Woody stood by his account. He even published a book in 1971, “Visitors from Lanulos,” detailing his experiences. However, public attention and skepticism took a toll on his family, leading to his wife and children moving away.
Woody’s encounters continued to pique interest even after his passing in 2000. His daughter, Tanya, continued to share stories about Indrid Cold, ensuring that her father’s extraterrestrial tales lived on.
Whether or not one believes Woody’s story, what’s undeniable is its impact on UFO lore. The tale of Indrid Cold offers a message of peace and understanding, challenging us to envision a world without conflicts and with open hearts to the unknown.
By sharing this story, Woody aimed to convey a broader message: an urging for truth and openness, hoping for a future where humans could unite beyond borders and differences.
