The disappearance of Patrick McDermott, Olivia Newton-John's ex-boyfriend, remains a mystery that has captivated public interest for over two decades. The story has been a subject of speculation and intrigue, with various theories emerging about what might have happened to the missing photographer. In his new biography, "A Little More Love: The Life and Legacy of Olivia Newton-John," Matthew Hild delves into the singer's thoughts and beliefs about McDermott's fate, offering a fascinating insight into her perspective.
Hild's book, which comes out on Thursday, is based on interviews with Newton-John's friends and colleagues. One of these individuals, Liona Boyd, revealed that Newton-John believed McDermott had met a tragic end. According to Boyd, Newton-John thought he had either been killed or drowned when he went missing off the coast of Los Angeles in June 2005. This belief was not based on mere speculation but on a deep-seated fear and unease that the singer experienced.
The relationship between Newton-John and McDermott was complex, described as an "on-again, off-again" partnership. At the time of his disappearance, they were reportedly in a period of separation. The circumstances surrounding McDermott's disappearance have fueled numerous rumors and theories. Some speculated that he had staged his disappearance to escape financial troubles, while others suggested he had run away to Mexico. These theories were further complicated by the presence of an investigator, John Nazarian, who claimed to have seen McDermott in Mexico with a woman who spoke with a German accent.
However, Newton-John's approach to unraveling the mystery was unique. She consulted a security expert, Gavin de Becker, who dispatched private investigators to Mexico in search of her missing ex-boyfriend. Despite their efforts, the investigators were unable to find any concrete evidence. The US Coast Guard's investigation, which concluded in 2008, suggested that McDermott was likely "lost at sea."
Newton-John's public statements about McDermott's disappearance have been marked by a sense of uncertainty and acceptance. In an interview with Women's Weekly in 2009, she expressed her belief that there would always be a question mark surrounding his fate, stating, "I don't think I will ever really be at peace with it."
During an interview with Australia's "60 Minutes" in 2016, Newton-John further emphasized her acceptance of the situation, saying, "He was lost at sea, and nobody really knows what happened. It's human to wonder, but those are the things in life you have to accept and let go."
The singer's acceptance of the mystery and her decision to move on with her life are notable. She married businessman John Easterling in 2008, and they remained together until her death in August 2022. Despite the enduring mystery surrounding McDermott's disappearance, Newton-John's life and legacy continue to be celebrated, with her music and impact on the entertainment industry leaving a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.
