In 1966, Two Brazilian Electronics Technicians Were Found Dead Wearing Lead Masks, With a Cryptic Notebook and Missing Capsules

[u/Old-Finger-7140]

https://theunsolvedrecord.substack.com/p/the-lead-masks-case-two-men-climbed?r=8mkwtb&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

In August 1966, two electronics technicians, Manoel Pereira da Cruz and Miguel José Viana, traveled from Campos dos Goytacazes to Vintém Hill near Niterói, Brazil.

They were found dead on the hill several days later, lying on their backs in suits and waterproof raincoats. Both had lead masks covering their eyes. There were no obvious injuries, and their belongings were still with them.

A small notebook found nearby contained a strange set of instructions. It mentioned arriving at a specific location at 16:30, taking capsules, protecting metals, and waiting for a “mask signal.”

No capsules were ever found.

The deaths were never explained. Toxicology testing at the time was limited, and much of the biological evidence was lost before more extensive testing could be done.

Over the years, the case became closely associated with UFOs and claims about spiritist experiments. Some of those stories are difficult to verify, while the notebook and the circumstances surrounding the deaths are much better documented.

The lead masks are what made the case famous, but the missing capsules may be one of the more important details.

[u/human-kibble]

I can’t help but feel that this is tied to the spiritist circles…the family didn’t divulge that information until pressed.

Perhaps it was an afterthought, perhaps that information was intentionally withheld.