Stalking Cat Man Found Dead at 54: Dennis Avner, Popular and Eccentric Body Modification Enthusiast, Commit Suicide?

Dennis Avner, a popular body modification enthusiast better known by his Native American name "Stalking Cat" man, was found dead in his hometown of Tonopah, Nevada on November 5. The cause of Avner's death has yet to be confirmed, but reports allege that he committed suicide. Avner, who underwent several surgeries and cosmetic procedures under the guidance of popular body modification artist Steve Haworth in order to achieve his tiger-like appearance, gained worldwide fame after the Guinness Book of World Records awarded him the the title of "most permanent transformations to look like an animal" a few years ago.

Avner's extreme body transformation earned him some critics, but many others were completely enthralled and in awe of the Stalking Cat Man's unique and eccentric appearance. Avner gained worldwide recognition after appearing on a number of popular shows including "Ripley's Believe It or Not!," VH1's "Totally Obsessed," and Animal Planet's "Weird, True & Freaky" among others.

Shannon Larratt, founder of the Body Modification E-Zine (BME), wrote this touching blog piece in tribute to the "Stalking Cat:"

"Dennis identified strongly with his feline totem animals and in what he told me was a Huron tradition of actually adopting the physical form of one's totem, he transformed himself not just into a tiger, but a female tiger at that, blurring and exploring the gender line as much as the species line.

Much of his work had been done by body modification pioneer Steve Haworth, who rebuilt Dennis's ears, lip, nose, and face to resemble a tiger, including a multitude of transdermals that held artificial whiskers. In addition to being almost completely covered in tattoos, he'd also sculpted his face and body with extensive silicone work, had custom teeth built to emulate his inner nature, and regularly wore contact lenses and an artificial robotic tail."

According to About.com blogger Jodie Michalak, Avner felt his Native American decent and spirit "called to the wild" and that he made it his life goal to modify his body in honor of the tiger, his totem animal.

"I'm Huron and Lakota," Avner told the Seattle Times in 2005. "I'm just taking a very old tradition that to my knowledge is not practiced anymore."

Many fans have memorialized Avner on his "Gone too Soon" webpage - one avid follower Jennifer Sams writes, "Dennis, you and I never met, but I have followed your story. I just wanted to say that I've always been impressed with your dedication and desire to honor your heritage and walk that path."

The Nye County Sheriff's Office recently confirmed Avner's death to The Huffington Post, but no other details have yet to be provided surrounding the circumstances of the "Stalking Cat" man's untimely death.