After reading his statement to the press in a Modesto, California motel room on March 13, 1979, Michael Prokes excused himself, went into the bathroom and shot himself with a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver. A note was found with the body. It read:

 

Don’t accept anyone’s analysis or hypothesis that this was the result of despondency over Jonestown. I could live and cope with despondency.

 

Nor was it an act of a “disturbed” or “programmed” mind – in case anyone tries to pass it off as that.

 

The fact is that a person can rationally choose to die for reasons that are just, and that’s just what I did.

 

If my death doesn’t prompt another look at what brought about the end of Jonestown, then life wasn’t worth living anyway.

 

This is the best available copy.

 

Michael Prokes Suicide Note, RYMUR 89-8286-2035, p. 3