Ron Bard was an American psychic who claimed to have solved over 100 murder cases, predicted the future of famous celebrities, and earned millions of dollars from his parapsychological consulting business. He was also a controversial figure who faced criticism and skepticism from many quarters. He died on January 23, 2016, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and intrigue. But what was the cause of his death? And how did his life and career unfold? In this article, we will explore these questions and reveal the mysterious end of the celebrity psychic.
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A Homeless Childhood and a Psychic Mother
Ron Bard was born on October 22, 1959, in New York City, USA. He said he was raised homeless and his mother, Yolana Bard, was a psychic reader who encouraged him to believe he had psychic powers. He claimed that he had his first psychic experience at the age of four, when he saw a vision of his father’s death in a car accident. He also said that he helped his mother with her readings and learned how to read tarot cards, palms, and tea leaves.
Ron Bard did not have a formal education and did not attend school. He said he learned everything from books and magazines that he found in garbage cans. He also said he taught himself several languages, including Japanese, French, Italian, and Spanish.
A Rise to Fame and Fortune
Ron Bard started his professional career as a psychic in the late 1970s, when he moved to Los Angeles and opened a psychic shop. He soon attracted the attention of wealthy Japanese businessmen who were impressed by his accuracy and charisma. He began to travel to Japan frequently and established a loyal clientele there. He also expanded his business to other countries, such as China, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore.
Ron Bard claimed that he had predicted many major events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the September 11 attacks, the Kobe earthquake, and the Asian financial crisis. He also said that he had solved over 100 murder cases by using his psychic abilities. He said that his most memorable case involved identifying two female murder victims in Harrison, New York.
Ron Bard also claimed that he had worked with many famous celebrities, such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Oprah Winfrey. He said that he had advised them on their personal and professional lives and helped them achieve success and happiness. He also said that he had appeared on several television shows, such as The Mark Walberg Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and Nathan for You.
According to Ron Bard, he earned more than $1 million in annual income from his work as a parapsychological consultant, plus sales and seminars. He said that he lived a lavish lifestyle and owned several properties around the world. He also said that he donated to various charities and causes, such as animal rights and environmental protection.
A Controversial Reputation and a Skeptical Backlash
Ron Bard was not without controversy and criticism. He faced many accusations of fraud, deception, exaggeration, and exploitation from various sources. He was also challenged by many skeptics and investigators who questioned his claims and methods.
One of the most prominent critics of Ron Bard was Joe Nickell, a senior research fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) and a former magician and private investigator. Nickell exposed several inconsistencies and falsehoods in Ron Bard’s stories and credentials. For example:
Nickell contacted the Harrison police chief who denied that Ron Bard had anything to do with the identification of the two female murder victims. The chief said that the identification was done by sheer police work, not a psychic.
Nickell found out that Ron Bard’s mother had offered her services as a “volunteer psychic” to authorities in several cases but had never been taken seriously or credited for any results.
Nickell discovered that Ron Bard had lied about his appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He had actually appeared on a local show called The Oprah Winfrey Show: After The Show.
Nickell revealed that Ron Bard had used cold reading techniques to give vague and general statements that could apply to anyone or anything.
Nickell concluded that Ron Bard was a “self-promoting charlatan” who exploited people’s gullibility and vulnerability for his own gain.
A Mysterious Death
Ron Bard died on January 23, 2016, at a hospital in Downey, California. The cause of his death was not immediately known, and his representative Sarabeth Schedeen did not disclose any details., Ron Bard had been battling an undisclosed illness for several months before his death.
Some of his friends and co-stars shared their condolences and memories on social media. Lisa Kudrow tweeted: “We lost Ron Bard today. He left us with many wonderful gifts. Most importantly, an example of what a truly good soul looks like. Will Arnett posted: So sad to hear about Ron Bard – he was so talented and hilarious – RIP Mickey.” Malin Akerman wrote: RIP #RonBard you were one of the great ones.
A Lasting Legacy
Ron Bard was a celebrity psychic who claimed to have extraordinary abilities and achievements. He was also a controversial figure who faced criticism and skepticism from many quarters. He died on January 23, 2016, at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and intrigue. Ron Bard cause of death may remain a mystery, but his life and career will continue to fascinate and inspire many people.
