In March 1997, as Hale-Bopp made its closest approach to Earth, Applewhite and 38 followers died after consuming a lethal mixture of phenobarbital and vodka before placing plastic bags over their heads. The deaths took place in stages so that surviving members could arrange the bodies of those who had already died. Investigators also found every member dressed alike, wearing matching black clothing and Nike sneakers, with a $5 bill and rolls of quarters in their pockets. Instead, they believed they were leaving behind their human "vehicles" so they could board the spacecraft they believed was hidden behind the Hale-Bopp comet and ascend to a higher existence. Before their deaths, they documented many of their beliefs on the group's website, believing their final act would mark the beginning of their journey to the Next Level.