Tucson, Arizona: Death of APRO Founder Coral Lorenzen
Coral Lorenzen, co-founder of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, died in Tucson. Her death triggered a succession dispute over APRO's extensive UFO archives, ultimately transferred to controversial custodians.
Background
1. Coral Lorenzen, a prominent figure in UFO research and founder of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), passed away on April 12, 1988. Following her death, APRO, which housed a significant archive of UFO-related materials, dissolved. This resulted in the loss of approximately 15,000 reports.
The Incident
Coral Lorenzen, who, along with her husband James (who died in 1986), established and led APRO, died in April 1988. APRO's archives, consisting of 18 filing cabinets, contained a substantial collection of UFO-related documents. These included files, letters, photographs, fragments, and artifacts, notably the 1957 Ubatuba Brazil UFO material. The organization ceased to exist after Coral Lorenzen's death, leading to the dispersal and loss of its extensive collection of approximately 15,000 reports.
Investigation
There is no indication of an official investigation into the dissolution of APRO or the loss of its archives in Dolan's account. However, Dolan's account does mention an investigation into claims made by Jackie Gleason regarding a secret repository of alien remains at Homestead AFB. UFO researcher Larry Bryant filed a FOIA request with Homestead AFB seeking documentation on the repository and Gleason's alleged visit. The base responded that "no such records existed." Bryant also attempted to place an advertisement in the Homestead base newspaper seeking information about alien bodies or Gleason's visit, but the base public affairs officer prevented its publication.
Significance
The dissolution of APRO and the loss of its archives represent a significant loss to the field of UFO research. The 15,000 reports, along with other materials, likely contained valuable data and insights into UFO phenomena collected over decades. The APRO archive contained the 1957 Ubatuba Brazil UFO fragments, which are of particular interest to UFO researchers. The loss of these materials hinders future research efforts and potentially obscures a more complete understanding of the UFO phenomenon.