Stupid Human Trick: Charles McKinley, Self-Shipper

Charles McKinelyMore from the AP about Crazy Charles McKinley who shipped himself in a cargo crate from NYC to Dallas:
- McKinley had no food or water for the 15 hour journey, just his cellphone.
- The crate measured 42 by 36 by 15 inches. McKinley is 5-foot-8 and weighs 170 pounds. McKinley indicated the crate was filled with clothes and a computer. The cost to ship - $550.
- Even his parents were shocked: "My husband asked him, `Man, what are you doing in this crate?' He said he was coming home," Mrs. McKinley told TV stations.
- Though he was shipped in the heated, pressurized holds, he could have been shipped in the unpressurized areas, where McKinley could have died.
- McKinley claimed he was homesick and wanted to save money. As a shipping clerk, he was able to enlist the help fo a co-worker.
- He was arrested and jailed for bad-check and traffic charges (from before this incident). He may be charged with stowing away on a plane.
- Apparently McKinley-in-the-crate passed through security twice; the TSA is very interested in understanding how that's possible.
- Dallas area D.A. Bill Hill says, "He violated the law of stupidity if nothing else."
- McKinley is from Brooklyn.

Our coverage from yesterday and the song the story reminds us of...minus the gore.

Comments (13) [rss]

user-pic

OK. Obviously this guy is deranged. i feel bad for him. But just checking Expedia.com, he could have gotten a roundtrip flight in an actual coach seat in actual non-cargo airplane for $251 from LGA!

user-pic

Right - but McKinley didn't bear the shipping cost, his employer did. I think this is where the derangement factors in: "Can I ship myself from NYC to Dallas? Let's see!"

user-pic

David Blaine ain't got nothin' on this guy!

user-pic

How come nobody's talking about his excretory preparations? Did I not read closely enough? I wanna know if he flew "pee bag" or "no pee bag"!

user-pic

I think I read that he had diapers... or was that David Blaine...

How much do you think David Blaine regrets doing the man starving in a box trick right now?

user-pic

This just in: Tracey Morgan is slated to play McKinley in the upoming CBS movie.

CRATE OPENS. Charles McKinley emerges.

CHARLES MCKINLEY
I'm Charles McKinley and this box stinks like feet.

user-pic

Hahahaha.

Maybe the crate, along Brian's line of thinking, smelled like pee or poo.

user-pic

this is one of my favorite stories of the year. this guy is a champion.

user-pic

I guess this was thinking IN the box.

user-pic

To bad it wasn't an unpressurized cabin - then he could have recieved his posthumous Darwin Award next January!

user-pic

McKinley Whats up, I dont understand you, but even though i know you, I still love you regardless If you were shiped back home.in a "BOX"

user-pic

Why is Charles Mckinley a "stupid human trick" while Nathaniel Heatwole is reserved as a hero who should be praised?

user-pic

A lady friend of mine was moving her things to her new house after a divorce. Some of her friends and I was helping box things up for the move. On the day of the move she had asked me to come over to help with some of the smaller things. When I got there she was in the shower, being a little silly I climbed in a box that was sitting with the rest to surprise her when she got out. It wasn't long when I was surprised when a friend of hers showed up. I was to embarras to climb out with them there. I sat in the box and listen as they packed up more boxes. It wasn't long when I was surprised again, The movers showed up. To scared to get out, I was picked up and loaded on the truck, within a few hours I was delivered.. So I know it can happen.

Post a comment (Comment Policy)

Tips

About Gothamist

Gothamist is a website about New York. More

Editor: Jen Chung Publisher: Jake Dobkin

About Us & Advertising | Archives | Contact | Mobile | RSS | Staff

Newsmap

newsmap.jpg

Contribute

Latest Tip:

time warner has been crap for us for the last month also.
[more]

Latest Photo:

Subscribe

Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.