Communications Expert Brings "Good Skepticism" to Paranormal Research
The delicate balance between open-minded curiosity and evidence-based skepticism defines one communications consultant's approach to investigating the unexplained. With extensive experience spanning high-tech industries including nuclear power and aerospace, this researcher brings a unique perspective to paranormal investigation—combining technical expertise with what she calls "the good kind of skepticism." Her philosophy embraces Carl Sagan's principle that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof," while maintaining genuine openness to possibilities beyond conventional understanding.
This balanced approach proved essential when investigating an aircraft technician's disturbing claims of paranormal activity at a small Texas airport. What began as research for a documentary series evolved into a years-long investigation documenting increasingly strange phenomena that ultimately forced the witness to relocate. The case's most shocking element—an alleged shooting and burial of a non-human entity—represents just one aspect of this complex, multi-year paranormal event that challenges our understanding of reality.
Key Takeaways
Pat O'Connell combines technical expertise with paranormal research, approaching unexplained phenomena with open-minded skepticism.
The Bleed Through project emerged from investigating unusual experiences at an airport, documented through years of detailed interviews and research.
Pat O'Connell's Background
Pat O'Connell serves as a communications consultant for high-tech corporations across diverse sectors including nuclear power, aerospace, and antibody library solutions. Her professional life intertwines with her passion for research, writing, and exploration of various phenomena. She approaches her work with an open yet critical mindset, describing herself as "the good kind of skeptic" who remains receptive to possibilities while requiring convincing evidence.
Professional Experience
Pat has navigated a successful career path through corporate America before transitioning to more personally fulfilling work. Her technical expertise spans multiple industries, allowing her to provide specialized communication services to complex technological enterprises. After years in corporate environments, she made a deliberate choice to focus on projects that bring her satisfaction rather than pursuing a traditional retirement.
Pat now divides her professional time between:
Communications consulting for technical industries
Writing both fiction and non-fiction
Helping clients publish their own books
Her approach to work reflects her philosophy that one should "stop doing work that's painful" and instead pursue endeavors that "feel good."
Research and Authorship
Pat's writing portfolio encompasses both technical documentation and creative works. She specializes in techno-thrillers that increasingly incorporate paranormal elements. Her research interests span numerous fields:
Scientific domains: Medicine, technology, aerospace
Humanities: Psychology, history
Metaphysical topics: Paranormal phenomena, unexplained events
Following her brother Jim's passing, Pat continued investigating a case he had originally brought to her attention involving Clay Wheeler, an aircraft repair technician who reported extraordinary experiences. This research eventually formed the basis for her book "Bleed Through," which documents these unusual events.
Personal Interests
Pat maintains an eclectic range of interests that fuel both her personal curiosity and professional work. She describes herself as someone who wants "to believe" while maintaining healthy skepticism. Her approach mirrors the scientific principle that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof."
Her fascination with life's mysteries extends beyond her writing. Pat actively participates in:
Investigating paranormal cases
Exploring scientific advancements
Advocating for truth and freedom
Pat credits her diverse interests with keeping her mentally young and engaged. Unlike many professionals her age, she has no intention of retiring in the traditional sense, as her varied pursuits continue to stimulate her intellectually and creatively.
Discussion on Alien Contact Experiences
Jim's Extraterrestrial Encounter Beliefs
Jim initially denied his experiences, convincing himself they were simply strange dreams. Over time, he gradually accepted the possibility that he might have encountered extraterrestrial beings. This realization prompted him to connect with others who shared similar experiences worldwide.
His sister noted that whether these encounters were objectively real or psychological phenomena, they had profound effects on people's lives. Jim found purpose in exploring these experiences, becoming one of three brothers in his family who reported UFO sightings.
Documentary Series Development
Jim was developing a reality television program focused on people who believed they had been taken aboard alien craft. He had interviewed hundreds of individuals across the globe for this project, documenting their stories and experiences.
The show aimed to acknowledge the significant impact these encounters had on people's lives regardless of their objective reality. While working on this production, Jim discovered a case in Texas that he felt was too complex to cover in a single episode or even a multi-episode arc.
Texas Incident Investigation
The Texas case involved a man named Clay Wheeler, an aircraft repair technician who operated his own business at a small airport for approximately ten years before unusual events began occurring. Wheeler maintained a reputation as a serious, meticulous professional who was particular about the orderliness of his hangar and shop.
Unlike many subjects in Jim's documentary, Wheeler initially denied being taken by extraterrestrial beings, yet reported numerous other strange phenomena. What particularly captured interest was Wheeler's claim that he had "shot and buried an alien."
The incidents began in 2010 and escalated over a three-and-a-half-year period, eventually becoming so disruptive that Wheeler was forced to relocate. Jim asked his sister to help investigate this case, both to determine Wheeler's credibility and to potentially develop the story into books or screenplays.
Following Jim's passing, his sister maintained contact with Wheeler, communicating multiple times daily via phone or email for over a year. Unfortunately, both Jim and Clay Wheeler have since passed away, leaving the investigation incomplete.
Late Jim Mars And The Aurora Case
Jim Mars was a well-respected researcher in the UFO field whose work continues to impact investigations today. His interest in the Aurora case from 1897 stands as one of his significant contributions to UFO research.
The Aurora incident refers to a reported UFO crash that allegedly occurred in Aurora, Texas in 1897. According to historical accounts, a mysterious "airship" crashed into a windmill on the property of Judge J.S. Proctor, with the pilot's body reportedly buried in the local cemetery.
Daniel Allen Jones has become the current leading expert on the Aurora case following Mars' passing. The connection between these researchers helped create a network of investigators dedicated to uncovering the truth about this historical incident.
The Aurora case differs significantly from more recent alleged encounters. It represents one of the earliest documented UFO incidents in American history, occurring during the "airship wave" of the 1890s when mysterious aircraft were reported across the country.
Many researchers feel the loss of experts like Jim Mars and Stanton Friedman has created a significant gap in the field. Their meticulous approach to investigation set a standard for UFO research that combined skepticism with openness to possibilities.
Jim Mars maintained connections with numerous researchers and witnesses throughout his career. His collaborative approach helped preserve accounts that might otherwise have been lost to history.
The legacy of researchers like Mars continues through the work of those who knew them. Their contributions remain vital to understanding the complex history of UFO phenomena in America.
Pat's Views on Skepticism and the Unexplained
Finding Balance Between Openness and Critical Thinking
Pat describes herself as "the good kind of skeptic" – someone open to possibilities but not easily convinced without evidence. She embraces Carl Sagan's principle that "extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof." While maintaining a willingness to debunk unfounded claims, she admits to having a genuine desire to discover truth in paranormal reports. "I want to believe," she says, comparing her approach to that of Fox Mulder from The X-Files.
Her skeptical yet open-minded stance emerged partly through family experiences. While Pat's three brothers all reported UFO sightings, she admits feeling somewhat envious of never having such an encounter herself. When her brother Jim eventually concluded he had been abducted by aliens after initially dismissing his experiences as strange dreams, Pat responded pragmatically: "Either you're crazy or you've been abducted by aliens. Either way, it seems to have a positive effect on your life."
How Literature Shapes Her Approach to the Unknown
Pat's writing background spans diverse genres, blending her technical expertise with creative expression. Her professional portfolio includes:
Technical writing for scientific fields
Pure fiction with emphasis on techno-thrillers
Paranormal elements increasingly woven into her novels
This literary versatility mirrors her approach to investigating unusual phenomena. Rather than limiting herself to conventional explanations, she draws from both factual knowledge and imaginative possibilities when examining cases like Clay Wheeler's alleged alien encounter.
Pat's research process demonstrates this balanced approach. When investigating Wheeler's claims, she conducted systematic interviews and site visits while remaining receptive to extraordinary possibilities. This methodology allows her to maintain credibility while exploring phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.
The Paranormal Encounters Project
Origin of the Investigation
The Paranormal Encounters Project began with a connection between siblings who shared an interest in unusual phenomena. When one brother discovered a case in Texas that proved too complex for his television program about alien abductees, he reached out to his sister who had writing experience. The case featured numerous strange occurrences that seemed impossible to cover in a single episode or even a multi-episode arc. The most startling claim within this case involved a man who allegedly shot and buried an alien, immediately capturing the writer's interest and commitment to investigate further.
This investigation stood apart from other well-known UFO incidents, including the 1897 Aurora case that had been extensively researched by others in the field. The uniqueness of this new case warranted its own dedicated exploration and documentation.
Clay Wheeler's Experiences
Clay Wheeler worked as an aircraft repair technician with his own business at a small airport. His professional reputation was built on being meticulous, particular, and organized in his work environment.
Wheeler's life took an unexpected turn in 2010 when he began experiencing a series of inexplicable events. These strange occurrences gradually intensified over approximately three and a half years, eventually becoming so disruptive that he was forced to relocate.
Unlike many subjects in paranormal investigations, Wheeler initially denied being abducted by aliens. His case involved numerous other phenomena that made it particularly intriguing to researchers. The investigation into his experiences continued for several years, with frequent communication between Wheeler and his researchers, sometimes involving multiple daily phone calls or emails.
Unfortunately, both Wheeler and the original investigator eventually passed away, leaving the complete documentation of this case to be finished by others who had been involved in the initial research phases.
