The Long-Forgotten Newsletter

In my blog last week I talked about finding a newsletter that was tucked inside a book for forty-one years.  I had recently ordered a copy of the book, Sergei, from a company in Great Britain.  I discovered the long-forgotten newsletter as I thumbed through the pages of his autobiography.  Over the years I have read several different articles about what happened the night of Sergei’s death.  My book, A Rose for Sergei, stays within the realm of what I was told hours after being informed of his death . . . that Sergei was alone in the motel room.

Below are two versions about that night.

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From the Glendale News-Press

Date:  January 18, 1973

By Ray McHugh, Chief, Washington Bureau, Copley News Service

“Kourdakov, 21, was killed Jan. 1 in a Running Springs, Calif., motel when a revolver he was handling discharged.  San Bernardino County authorities have ruled accidental death.  Federal authorities agree in private statements.”

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Sections from the three-page newsletter I found in Sergei’s book.

Date:  January 20, 1973

By L. J. Bass, President, Underground Evangelism International

“Underground Evangelism had encouraged Kourdakov to become established within a Christian home so as to share a family environment.  He moved into the home and care of this particular family with Underground Evangelism’s knowledge.

Although Kourdakov was specifically instructed by Underground Evangelism officials never to carry a weapon, he borrowed a 38 calibre revolver from the father of this family as Kourdakov considered his life to be threatened.  This was for self-protection during a proposed visit to a mountain resort area near Los Angeles, California.

During this visit Kourdakov was accompanied by the daughter of the family with their full knowledge and approval . . . .

While at the resort Kourdakov spent most of his time typing a biographical report for the U.S. Senate Immigration Committee.  A special Congressional Bill (similar to a special Act of Parliament) was necessary to permit Kourdakov permanent residence in the United States.  Such a Bill had been pending before the close of the 1972 congressional year.  Canadian and United States intelligence and security agencies confirmed the truth and accuracy of Sergei Kourdakov’s story in 1972 thus making the Bill possible.  The Bill had sponsors in both houses of the U.S. Congress.

Shortly after the New Year hour Kourdakov died in circumstances which are extremely difficult to determine.  Although it appeared that the gun he was loaned was the cause of death, to this time the authorities have not verified this.  While at the resort Kourdakov was approached by unidentified men who spoke to him in an East European language.  Kourdakov appeared to be quite concerned about this encounter.

Although there were people in the adjacent room separated only by a thin wall, it appears that no one heard the normal sound of a gunshot.  Even the girl who was in the room at the time described the sound of the gunshot as a ‘muffled plop.’  Contrary to earlier reports the girl did not see the weapon go off.

All information cited in this release is substantiated by existing documents.”

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I was not the girl in the motel room, but I did call her family’s home on Christmas Day to speak with Sergei.  The reason Sergei and I were unable to spend the holiday together is covered in my book.  December 25, 1972 was the last time I heard Sergei’s voice.