Where Are Kyle and Roen Horn’s Parents Now? Inside Diana and Rodger’s Lives After Their Sons Lied About Growing Up in the Wilderness

In a disturbing tale of deception, brothers Kyle and Roen Horn, who once captivated a small Canadian community with their claims of growing up in the wilderness, were actually raised in a suburban neighbourhood of northern California. The brothers, often referred to as the “Bush Boys” or “Wild Boys,” left their home in the early 2000s, presenting a fabricated narrative that they were self-sufficient children of nature. Their extraordinary story has been revisited in the two-part docuseries, *Wild Boys: Strangers in Town*, available on Paramount+.

The truth about their upbringing is far less dramatic than the story they sold to the small town of Vernon, British Columbia. Raised in a middle-class home in Roseville, a suburb near Sacramento, the Horns were nurtured by their parents, Diana and Rodger Horn, along with three siblings. According to Roen, Roseville offered one of the safest environments possible for children. Their father worked as a claims adjuster, while their mother held a position in a local cinema, contributing to a comfortable household.

The docuseries provides insights not only from Kyle and Roen but also from their parents. It highlights differing perspectives regarding why Kyle left home. Rodger Horn indicated that his son had to leave because he rejected the notion of employment, saying, “We kicked him out and we knew he was going to Canada.” The last communication they had with him was a phone call in December, which marked the beginning of their family’s tumultuous ordeal.

The Horn family dynamics were further complicated by their parents’ inclination towards conspiracy theories. The docuseries reveals that Diana and Rodger had instilled certain unconventional beliefs in their children, leading them to view the world through an increasingly distorted lens. Roen mentioned that they were raised to question information from mainstream sources, with both sons sharing elaborate theories on various topics. Kyle’s extreme beliefs even raised concerns for his mother, who admitted to CBC that some of his ideas were quite troubling, such as his unfounded suspicion that Michael Jackson was the archangel Michael.

Over the years, the mental well-being of both boys became a pressing issue. Kyle’s mother voiced worries about his extreme ideas, with Diana recalling instances where Kyle proposed harmful actions stemming from these beliefs. Meanwhile, Roen’s health took a turn for the worse after a life-threatening medical emergency in his younger years. Following an emergency splenectomy, Roen developed severe health anxieties. Rather than accepting medical interventions, he became fixated on a strict diet, ultimately leading to a dangerous level of malnutrition.

In June 2003, the family’s precarious situation escalated when authorities conducted a welfare check at the Horns’ home due to concerns over Roen’s weight. Fearing that he might be taken away, Roen fled the house, leading to a frantic escape plan organised by Kyle. In August of that year, Kyle departed with only a tent, sleeping bags, and a small sum of cash, eventually making their way to Canada where they adopted false identities.

Despite their attempts to integrate into Canadian life, Roen’s health continued to plummet due to what he described in the docuseries as “nutritional deficiencies.” Periodic calls from Kyle back to their parents reassured them at first, as he maintained that he was fine and even spoke of Roen’s well-being, which proved to be false.

In March 2004, Roen was discovered in a dire state and was immediately taken to a hospital where he was treated for his condition. This intervention marked the beginning of the end for the brothers’ deception. Upon seeing news reports about the “Bush Boys,” a family friend contacted Diana and Rodger, prompting them to travel to Canada to reclaim their sons.

Following their reunion, the family faced both relief and distress. Rodger expressed regret regarding the situation, acknowledging that Kyle’s actions had severe implications for Roen’s health. Diana reflected on their ordeal and expressed gratitude towards a local community member, Tami Ryder, who had aided the boys before their story unraveled, illustrating the complex emotions involved in this narrative of parental responsibility and sibling loyalty.

As time has moved forward, the Horns appear to have found a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Both Diana and Rodger have made appearances in media, including Roen’s YouTube channel, suggesting their ongoing connection as a family. The harrowing story of the Horn brothers and their struggle to reclaim their identities serves as a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding mental health, familial ties, and the lengths to which one might go to escape their past.