The Disappearance and Death of Philip Taylor Kramer
Philip Taylor Kramer, former bassist for Iron Butterfly, was found deceased in his smashed Ford minivan at the bottom of Decker Canyon near Malibu, California, on May 29, 1999, four years after his disappearance on February 12, 1995. As of March 14, 2026, new reports indicate Kramer's final 911 call included declarations of O.J. Simpson's innocence and his intent to commit suicide, though his family maintains he was murdered due to his advanced technological research, including work on faster-than-light communication. The coroner officially ruled his cause of death as undetermined blunt force trauma, consistent with driving off a cliff. Before his disappearance, Kramer's company faced financial issues and held a million-dollar insurance policy on him.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this story2026
1 update
2026
1 updateNew reports indicate that Philip Taylor Kramer's final 911 call, shortly before his disappearance and death, included declarations of O.J. Simpson's innocence and his own intent to commit suicide. His family continues to believe he was murdered due to his advanced technological research, including work on faster-than-light communication.
2025
1 update
2025
1 updateBefore his disappearance, Philip Taylor Kramer reportedly claimed to have made a breakthrough in 'faster than light communication'. This detail adds to the strange circumstances surrounding his final days.
2023
3 updates
2023
3 updatesPhilip Taylor Kramer disappeared on February 12, 1995, and his case garnered significant media attention, including features on 'Unsolved Mysteries' and 'America's Most Wanted'.
A podcast highlighted that Philip Taylor Kramer had only 40 cents and was unable to pay for airport parking during his last known movements before his disappearance.
via youtube.com
The coroner officially ruled Philip Taylor Kramer's cause of death as undetermined blunt force trauma, consistent with driving off a cliff. This clarifies previous reports that leaned towards suicide.
2020
2 updates
2020
2 updatesConspiracy theories surrounding Philip Taylor Kramer's death include the idea he was abducted by America's enemies due to his work, prompting a US Congressman to request an FBI investigation.
via youtube.com
Before his disappearance, Philip Taylor Kramer's company was reportedly facing financial issues and had a million-dollar insurance policy on him. Additionally, the theory that he was abducted by America's enemies was supported by a US Congressman.
via youtube.com
1999
2 updates
1999
2 updatesAn associate of Iron Butterfly announces the discovery of Kramer's remains on the band's website, speculating suicide due to the circumstances.
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
Kramer's smashed Ford minivan, driver's license, and skeletal remains are discovered by photographers at the bottom of Decker Canyon near Malibu, California, four years after his disappearance.
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
1996
1 update
1996
1 updateOne year after his February 1995 disappearance, Philip Taylor Kramer's case remained a baffling mystery with no physical clues, and his family struggled with false leads while refusing to believe he committed suicide.
via latimes.com
1995
4 updates
1995
4 updatesPhilip Taylor Kramer is officially reported missing after failing to return home.
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
Kramer makes a 911 call, stating, "I'm going to kill myself," before hanging up. This is the last confirmed contact with him.
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
Kramer makes a series of phone calls, including one to his wife, Jennifer, telling her he has a "big surprise" and that he will "always love you. I'll see you on the other side." He also calls former Iron Butterfly bandmate Ron Bushy, leaving a voicemail saying, "I love you more than life itself."
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
Philip Taylor Kramer leaves his home in Thousand Oaks, California, to pick up a business associate at Los Angeles International Airport. He is seen arriving at the airport but leaves alone an hour later.
via people.com·ultimateclassicrock.com·reddit.com·thedebrief.org·unsolved.com
Story began · 31 years, 6 mo ago