Weste Erickson was a 22-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota. He was an outdoorsy person who loved hiking and exploring the wilderness. On September 3, 2006, Erickson embarked on a solo hike in the woods near Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota. He was supposed to return home the next day, but when he failed to do so, his family reported him missing.
The documentary series "Terror in the Woods" features Erickson's case in its first season. The show uses reenactments and interviews with investigators and experts to recreate the events leading up to Erickson's death. The documentary suggests that Erickson's death was not just a simple accident, but rather a tragic event that was exacerbated by a combination of factors, including his decision to venture into the woods alone and his failure to carry proper safety equipment.
The documentary series has been criticized by some for its sensationalized portrayal of Erickson's death. Some have argued that the show exaggerated the circumstances surrounding his death, making it seem more terrifying and mysterious than it actually was. Others have questioned the accuracy of the reenactments, suggesting that they were staged for dramatic effect.
On September 12, 2006, Erickson's body was found in a remote area of the woods, about 10 miles from where he was last seen. The discovery was made by a search party that was using a helicopter to scan the area. The body was lying on the ground, with no signs of trauma or struggle. The cause of death was later determined to be anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.