Identity Theft, Suicide and the Mysterious Lori Kennedy Ruff

WILDCIDE

Lori Kennedy Ruff’s life was shrouded by secrecy and mystery. Lori was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and she lived there until she was 17 years old. Then she left everyone and everything she ever knew and never looked back. She bounced all over creating her identity: Pennsylvania, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas. She spent the rest of her life running from her own shadow and whatever secrets she had hiding in her closet. Quite Literally. This case brings awareness to suicide as well as the baffling reasons, or lack thereof, that people commit identity theft and run from their past all while keeping everyone they love in the dark. This bewildering and tragic story will leave you wondering if you truly know someone and poses the question ‘is this person really who they say they are’? If you’re struggling with suicide or depression, there are resources listed below. Reach out and get help because you’re worth the fight.

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​​Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by BLTZWOLF

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Resources:

Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts?

For the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Call/Text 988

Previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Find a Therapist:

Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

BetterHelp - Get Started & Sign-Up Today

Depression Resources:

Helpful Online Resources for Depression (webmd.com)

References:

Barrouquere, B. (2016, September 23). Mystery woman: After 30 years and a suicide, Lori Ruff’s real ... - chron. Chron. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Mystery-woman-After-30-years-and-a-suicide-Lori-9239232.php

Brown, L. A. (2017, August 26). James Frederic McLean (1935-1987) - find a grave... Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182753274/james-frederic-mclean

Icantbelieveitsnonfiction. (2018, July 28). Kimberly McLean. I Can’t Believe It’s NonFiction. https://icantbelieveitsnonfiction.com/2018/02/07/kimberly-mclean/

O’Hagan, M. (2016a, September 24). She stole another’s identity, and took her secret to the grave. who was she? The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/special-reports/she-stole-anothers-identity-and-took-her-secret-to-the-grave-who-was-she/

O’Hagan, M. (2016b, November 16). “my god, that’s Kimberly!”: Scientist solves perplexing mystery of identity thief Lori Ruff. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/special-reports/my-god-thats-kimberly-online-sleuth-solves-perplexing-mystery-of-identity-thief-lori-ruff/

Schladebeck, Jessica. "True identity of Lori Ruff revealed six years after she committed suicide". nydailynews.com. Retrieved December 19, 2023.

Weber, S. (2017, March 7). After her death, Lori Ruff’s family discovered she was a complete stranger. Marie Claire Magazine. https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a25777/lori-ruff/