Whitey Bulger's Role in Alcatraz Escape

James “Whitey” Bulger, the notorious mobster, had a surprising connection to John and Clarence Anglin, two brothers who famously escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Despite being presumed dead by the FBI, Bulger maintained correspondence with the Anglin family, sharing insights about the brothers and their daring escape. This revelation adds a new layer to the already legendary tale, which gained further notoriety with Clint Eastwood’s film, *Escape from Alcatraz*, released in 1979. Bulger first met the Anglin brothers in Atlanta in 1958 and later encountered them again at Alcatraz. According to Widner, a family member, Bulger spoke highly of the brothers and eventually divulged details about his involvement in their escape. He recounted how the Anglins, along with fellow inmates Frank Morris and Allen West, meticulously planned their breakout, using rubber cement to conceal their escape gear and fashioning a raft to navigate the waters surrounding the prison. The narrative surrounding the escape has been bolstered by various accounts, including a deathbed confession from a man who claimed to have been on the boat that picked up the escapees. Additionally, evidence such as a bloodied raft found near Alcatraz supports the theory that the escape was successful, despite the FBI's long-held belief that the brothers perished in the attempt. Widner emphasizes the importance of keeping the story alive, challenging skeptics to provide evidence that contradicts the accounts of those involved. The ongoing intrigue surrounding the Anglin brothers’ fate continues to captivate audiences and historians alike.