A Ghost Hunting Tragedy

Linda Sue McMillan
Photo by Find-a-Grave user,
Peggy Rocchio

Earlier this month, I shared with you the story of a group of students from Shady Spring High School who spent the night at their school, looking for the alleged whistling ghost said to haunt its halls. That was a fun, and light-hearted tale that proves a point---even though interest may wane at various times through history, kids' interest in legend tripping, spooky things, and scaring the hell out of each other never truly goes away. Even in the mid-20th century, kids were going out and hunting down the hauntings. 

Unfortunately, not all of these pursuits into the paranormal end on a happy note, as was the case with Linda Sue McMillan, eight years later.

Linda Sue was born on September 15, 1944 to parents Thomas Roy and Maude Ferrell McMillan. Just two months shy of her 17th birthday, sixteen year old Linda Sue of Weirton spent a warm summer's evening doing what so many young kids do---she went out in search of a spooky adventure. On Sunday, July 16th, Linda and five other young people, all members of the family, piled in the car and headed about seven miles north of the town of West Union, to a little area known as Morgansville. Their destination was a road called "Big Flimp Rd." by the Charleston Daily Mail. However, I can't find any mention of such a road, and suspect that the actual road was Big Flint Rd., located in that same vicinity.

They were going ghost hunting.

I haven't found the exact ghost story or haunting from West Virginia's folklore that the group was searching for, but I imagine it was a tale that had been told orally and passed around in the family and friend group for quite some time. Perhaps they were seeking out the ghost of one of the many murdered peddlers, whose spirits are said to still haunt so many corners of the Mountain State. Perhaps they were seeking out the haunted John England property a few miles away. Either way, this adventure seemed to involve a dare of some sort.

Three girls in the group, Linda Sue included, were sent to walk about a mile down the road by themselves. However, at some point, Linda Sue climbed onto the back of the car, without the knowledge of the driver. Clyde McMillan, 20 years old, started the car up and began driving the down the road. It is unclear if Linda Sue tried to jump off, or if she simply fell, but she ended up hitting the pavement and suffering a fatal fracture to her skull. 

Linda Sue's funeral was held on July 18th, as reported by the Weirton Daily Times. She was buried in Beechwood Cemetery, in Tyler County, West Virginia. She lies beside her parents, who passed in the 1990's. 

I never like sharing sad stories such as this one, but I chose to highlight this one in particular for a few reasons. I obviously want to pay respects to this sweet, beautiful young soul who was taken too soon. She must have been pretty brave to take on hunting ghosts and as a paranormal investigator myself, have to give her kudos. Even though this was probably intended as a fun little legend-tripping adventure, in my eyes she has still earned her place among West Virginia's paranormal research community.

But, I also wanted to highlight just how dangerous ghost hunting CAN be...and it's not the ghosts that we have to fear. Unfortunately, the tragic death of Linda Sue is eerily similar to another tragedy that occurred in Clay County, WV back in 2013. A truck full of young people searching for ghosts in the infamous Booger Hole area turned over, killing 18 year old Kara Conley.  Exploring West Virginia's rich haunted history can be a fun way to get a thrill, but please keep in mind to keep safety a top priority. Use common sense, don't take unnecessary risks, and remain constantly aware of your surroundings. I want to share these spooky stories with you and encourage you to experience them yourselves...what I DON'T want is to have to come investigate YOUR ghost!

Stay safe, stay spooky!

Sources:

The Charleston Daily Mail. 17 July 1961. Page 6

The Weirton Daily Times. 18 July 1961. Page 2

Find-a-Grave Entry for Beechwood Cemetery

Charleston Daily Mail
17 July 1961

Investigation Safety: The Investigator's Shinbone

 

Today's blog is another one of my Friday Funnies combined with some legitimate paranormal advice!  I'm sure you've probably seen the above-graphic, or some variation of it, posted on social media over the last few years, and with good reason.  It's something that most paranormal investigators and/or ghost hunters can relate to on some level.  I know I've personally whacked my shin directly into chairs, beds, coffee tables, and anything else that might be at shin level!  And, while it definitely doesn't feel good, and usually doesn't do any damage, it does bring up an important safety factor that I'd like to address. 

Although this graphic highlights the comical side of it, stumbling around in the dark, in an unfamiliar location CAN be dangerous. Luckily, there are a few ways to mitigate the risks. 

Whether it is your first trip to a location, or you've been there many times before, I suggest you start off each investigation with a thorough walk-through of the entire property.  If this is an indoor location, make sure the lights are on.  If you're at an outdoor location, arrive early to take advantage of full daylight. If you're being shown around by the client and/or property owner, be sure to ask them of any safety hazards you should be aware of.  Take note of where furniture and other large items are located, and locations where you'll be setting up stationary equipment.  I like to take baseline, reference pictures of the entire space before the investigation, and you can take it a step further by making a quick sketch of the area to be investigated, noting potential hazards and obstacles. 

If there are any areas of concern found, make sure they are pointed out to EVERY investigator/guest on site. If there are objects blocking high traffic areas, or fragile items that could easily get bumped, see if the client would be willing to move them out of the way for you.

For other hazards, glow sticks work great. You can use glow sticks to mark potential trip hazards, loose floorboards, uneven stairs, or furniture with sharp, dark, pointy corners. Portable touch lights can be set up in locations, such as staircases, that need a little bit of extra light. And, yellow caution tape can be used to mark off larger areas that need to be avoided altogether. 

When moving from place to place or room to room, pay attention to what you're doing.  It's easy to get distracted by your equipment, especially if you're filming with a handheld video camera or taking readings, but take a moment to look away from your devices to make sure you're not going to walk directly into something.

And finally, weigh the costs of whether or not you really DO need to go dark and/or investigate solely at night. There are plenty of reasons for and against going 'lights out,' which you can read about in my blog: Ghost FAQs: Going Dark. If you are in an area that has quite a few hazards and safety risks associated with low visibility, it might be worth sticking to daytime or lights on activities. And, as always, make sure a well-stocked first aid kit is part of your ghost hunting arsenal. 

I hope you got a knowing chuckle out of today's little graphic, but also picked up a few tips on keeping a silly situation from becoming something a little more dangerous. Have a safe and spooky weekend, and if your plans include any investigating, make sure to watch out for furniture and other safety hazards! 

Caffeine and Paranormal Investigation

September 29th is National Coffee Day! I'm actually NOT a coffee drinker myself, but I know many of you out there are...especially you paranormal investigators and ghost hunters! Often we have to put in a full day's work at a traditional job, take care of family and home...and THEN spend all night on high alert at a potentially haunted location. Coffee is an excellent source of caffeine, a stimulant that wards off drowsiness and makes you feel more alert. Being more alert is definitely useful during a paranormal investigation, but too much caffeine can be a very, very bad thing.

A 2011 study conducted by researchers at Australia's La Trobe University actually found evidence that too much caffeine can cause auditory hallucinations. In other words, the same stuff that makes you feel alert and awake can also cause you to hear things that aren't really there. Obviously, hearing things during a paranormal investigation that aren't really there isn't exactly conducive to a successful, scientific-based endeavor.

But just how much caffeine does one have to consume to start hearing things? Well, that amount is slightly different for everyone, but the study notes that even five cups a day led to a significant increase in the test subject having the auditory hallucinations. I don't know about you, but I've definitely seen people consume that much and more. When you factor in energy drinks and highly caffeinated sodas as well, its pretty easy for one person to reach that threshold.

However, one doesn't have to completely give up on coffee on other caffeinated drinks before or during an investigation. Like with many other things, moderation is key. Too much caffeine, in addition to potentially causing auditory hallucinations, can also cause one to feel jittery, anxious, have a racing heart beat, and since its a diuretic, cause one to have to use the restroom often (and any investigator knows that clean, working restrooms aren't always readily available during a ghost hunt!).  

Just know your own body and what it can and cannot handle. If you regularly consume large amounts of caffeine, you can probably handle it better than someone who normally would have a small caffeine intake, but downs shot after shot of energy drink right before heading out into the field. Also, instead of relying solely on caffeine, try a few different approaches to maximize alertness and ward off sleepiness. If you know an investigation is coming up, try to get sufficient rest beforehand. Take snack breaks featuring healthy choices of proteins and carbs. Stay hydrated. And, most importantly, know when to say no. If you don't feel alert or in top shape, it may be time to head on home. 

More Info:

Medical News Today

Safety--Winter Investigations

We've been pretty lucky here in my part of West Virginia, so far.  The temperature has only really plummeted over these past  two weeks and we haven't had any significant snowfalls, either.  But, I'm sure all that and more will be hitting us over the next couple of months as it has in many other areas of the country!

So what is a paranormal investigator to do?  Last week over on the National Paranormal Society Facebook page, the question was posed of what to bring to an investigation when weather, especially winter weather, threatens the health and safety of your team. Snow, ice, high winds and low temperatures all can lead to their own problems on an investigation and need to be addressed.  I thought my response there was adequate, but felt like this was an important topic to discuss and expand upon.

BEFORE THE INVESTIGATION
If you have an investigation planned during the winter months, keep an eye on the forecast.  If the forecast predicts severe winter weather, decide as a team (or make the executive decision as a lead investigator/founder) whether or not the investigation is really worth it.  Ask yourself these questions:

1. Is this investigation strictly for fun, or is there a client needing help?
2. If this investigation is at a pay-to-play location, what is their inclement weather policy? Can the investigation be rescheduled or canceled with full/partial refund?
3. How far away is the investigation location? Is the route to the location generally safe during severe weather, or do curvy, hilly roads, heavy traffic or other obstacles make the route unsafe?
4. If there is a client needing help, can they reschedule for another day? Can you provide assistance over the phone or through email? If they are some distance away from you, is there a team closer by that can assist?
5. Is the investigation indoors or outdoors?  If indoors, does the location have heat?

If for any reason you do not feel comfortable, listen to your gut!  Your safety and the safety of your team are the most important things; you can't help others if you're in danger or injured yourself!  Since weather can be so unpredictable for many areas in the winter, a lot of teams lighten their caseload considerably...but that doesn't mean they cannot still make a contribution to the paranormal field.

The slower winter months are great for in-depth research of upcoming cases, studying, reading and taking classes.  There are tons of great FREE online courses in a variety of subjects that are of interest and benefit to paranormal investigators.  This is also a great time to catch up on evidence review, reach out to potential new clients, network with other investigators, write a blog or an article, and many other things that can be done within the safety and warmth of one's own home.

But sometimes, we just gotta go ahead with the investigation!  Maybe its a location we've been looking forward to forever, or a client desperately needs help...or the weather just doesn't seem like its going to be that bad, but then later it gets worse.  What are some things you can do and bring to keep yourself safe and warm through an investigation that is simply cold, to one that turns into a blizzardy mess?

CLOTHING  

From theathiker.com

1. Dress in layers! Layers provide extra warmth through air trapped in between and should you get too warm, its always easy to peel off those extra layers.  Invest in a good pair of 'long underwear.'
2. Don't forget the hat, scarf, mittens/gloves, and earmuffs!  Definitely don't forget a good pair of warm socks. Keep as much of your body covered as possible.
3. Make sure you wear a good pair of water-resistant shoes/boots with a strong, non-skid sole.  Even if you're investigating a toasty warm private residence, there might still be slippery patches of ice on the walkway.
4. Hand, foot and body warmers are cheap and provide excellent warmth for chilly investigations.
5. You might consider adding a bright, neon colored accessory, such as a hat just in case you get stranded outside in the snow and need to be visible!

6. Heated coats are now a thing! 

WHAT TO PACK 
1. First aid kit, especially handy for slips on the ice. Make sure it includes items to specifically address these types of injuries in addition to its normal contents.
2. Extra handwarmers!
3. Emergency or wool blankets
4. High energy snacks, such as protein bars and plenty of extra water
5. Poncho, to help stay dry
6. Fully charged cell phone, charging cords, battery packs
7. Cash (in case you find yourself stuck at a country gas station that doesn't accept plastic)
8. A bag of salt to help melt ice around walkways

WINTERIZING THE VEHICLE
If you're going to be out traveling in winter weather to an investigation, whether its several hours away or just a few minutes away, its nice to have a vehicle that you know can hold up to whatever life throws at you.  My ideal winter vehicle here in Appalachia would be a 4 wheel drive vehicle with snow tires and/or chains. Also consider:

1. Check the tire pressure, fluids, etc. before your trip and make sure you have a winterized windshield wiper fluid.
2. Jumper cables and/or a battery starter, since cold weather can often wreak havoc on a car's battery.
3. The necessary tools needed to pull a vehicle out of a ditch, such as a tow rope.
4. Gravel/sand/kitty litter and a shovel in case you get stuck
5. Car emergency kit, with flares and a small fire extinguisher
6. Map, in case the usual route is shut down or blocked
7. Always tell someone outside the team where you're going, when you're expected back, and what route you plan on taking.
8. A can of Fix-a-Flat or spare tire/jack.

9. Your ice scraper to help remove any ice buildup on your windshield that occurs while you're at the investigation. 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
1. You might want to bring a small space-heater to a particularly cold investigation.  However, if you're going to bring a space heater indoors, please use it responsibly.  Make sure its set up far enough away from any walls or any other objects and NEVER leave it unattended, even for a moment.

2. I do not advise using fire to keep warm, even at an outdoor location, unless it is a life or death emergency. If it comes to that, use general fire safety, never leave the flame unattended, and make sure it is put out completely when you leave.

3. Beware of weather and seasonal related false positives:
*Carbon monoxide poisoning has symptoms that some people mistake for paranormal activity and is more likely in the winter when people are running their heaters.

*Rodents and other animals seeking shelter from the elements may take up residence in walls, attics and basements.  This can result in scratching, other noises, and strange smells.

*Howling winds can cause strange noises, and can seep in through doors, windows, roofs, chimneys and wall cracks, causing hard to track drafts. 

*Falling temperatures during the night combined with the sun raising them in the day can cause building materials to expand and contract, making plenty of noises. 

*Breath is likely to show up in photos and may be mistaken for mists, ectoplasm, etc.

Always use common sense and keep safety a top priority!  Right now, we want to investigate ghosts...not become one!

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Safety--The Ghost Hunter's 1st Aid Kit

In this continuing series of articles relating to safety and paranormal investigating, I wanted to talk a little bit about a very important piece of the ghost hunter's tool kit:  the first aid kit.  A well stocked first aid kit is a must-have for any investigator, whether they are investigating a private residence, an outdoor location, or a creepy old abandoned building.  Unfortunately, this rather mundane item is sometimes overlooked or forgotten...until it is needed.  A properly stocked first aid kit can save your investigation from being ruined by a small, uncomfortable inconvenience, but in rare circumstances, it may also save a life.

Needs will change based on the location of the investigation and members of the group, but I've compiled just a VERY basic checklist of items to consider for your own kit. There are plenty of sites out there that will help you put together basic to comprehensive general first aid kits, or where you can buy a pre-made kit (Adventure Medical Kits has some AWESOME but PRICEY selections) but I've tried to include items that would be of an especially useful nature to a paranormal investigator on location.   Please note that I am not a medical professional...just someone who has found herself out in the middle of nowhere, covered in poison ivy a time or two!

First Aid Kit Checklist:

• Various sized adhesive bandages
• Gauze pads
• Anti-bacterial or alcohol wipes
• Neosporin or other antibiotic cream
• Gloves
• Antihistamine tablets, such as Benadryl
• Cough drops
• 81 mg aspirin
• Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.
• Antacid tablets and/or Pepto tablets
• Hydrocortisone ointment (or any rash, bug bite, poison ivy cream/itch relief spray or cream)
• Scissors
• Medical Tape
• Elastic bandages
• Cold pack
• Tweezers
• Space Blanket
• Burn cream
• Quik-Clot
• Snake-bite kit
• Hard candies
• 1st aid manual

Preventative Measures and Other Considerations:

• Having a team member who is a doctor, nurse, EMT, or is otherwise a trained medical professional is an added benefit to any group.
• Consider having everyone on the team become certified in basic CPR/1st aid.  Classes are available for a nominal fee through a number of organizations, including the Red Cross.  
• Make sure everyone is current on their tetanus shots!
• Know your own physical limitations and don't push them; regular check-ups with your family physician are recommended.
• Make sure that your team leader knows of any medical issues you might have, such as low blood sugar, epilepsy, asthma, etc...and how to recognize and deal with the issue should it arise.
• If you require an inhaler, an epi-pen, or other medication, make sure you have it with you, and that at least one other person on the team knows where to access it and how to help you administer it if needed.
• Do a thorough walk through of the location in good lighting and mark off any areas that may be a safety hazard.
• Dress appropriately for your location; long pants and sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are always recommended.
• Respirator masks are recommended for indoor investigations where mold, asbestos, and animal droppings may be a problem.
• If you're going to be outside, invest in bug spray!

Happy and Safe Hunting!
Check out my first article in the safety series:  Getting Permission to Investigate

Safety--Getting Permission to Investigate

Photo by Sean Leahy  Photography

Maximizing safety during paranormal investigations has been a hot topic in the field lately, so I've decided that a series of safety-related articles might be a nice addition to the blog.  Much of what I'll be discussing over the next few weeks may seem like common sense, but sometimes we need to speak of the unspoken when it comes to certain protocol...just as a reminder and a reinforcement to what we should already be doing.

This first week's installment deals with the preliminary step of gaining proper permission to be at a location and how this  issue, which usually falls under the ethics of proper investigation practices, is actually first and foremost, a safety issue. Again, this sounds like such a common sense maneuver that every team claims to do diligently that it shouldn't even need to be discussed.  But, you'd be surprised at how many people out there still don't obey this basic tenet of paranormal investigation and its a mistake that COULD cost them their lives.  In fact, in some cases, it has.

In 2006, a 17 year old cheerleader was shot in the head in Ohio after she and several friends were caught trespassing on a man's property, which was rumored to be haunted.  In 2010, a young man was killed in North Carolina when a train struck him; he and several others were on an active stretch of track in search of a phantom engine.  These are extreme cases, but they are real cases...cases which could have easily been avoided if these people were not trespassing.



ACTIVE TRESPASSING
By my personal definition, active trespassing is when someone knowingly enters a property or location where they are explicitly NOT supposed to be---and they know they are not supposed to be there but they don't care.  If someone tells you to not be on the property, DON'T be on the property!  If there are any No Trespassing signs anywhere, DON'T enter the property!

In the paranormal investigation world, there are luckily not too many legitimate groups that engage in active trespassing.  Unfortunately, though, there are plenty of young, legend-tripping thrill seekers who engage in this activity, and when they get caught, claim they are ghost hunters...giving us ALL a bad name.  Not only is this activity against our investigation code of ethics, it is illegal and can result in arrests and prosecution.  It is also inherently dangerous as many times, these No Trespassing signs are there for a REASON!  There's a very good chance that there are risks associated with the property, and the owners don't want anyone getting hurt and suing.

Dilapidated buildings may be structurally unsound and pose a risk of collapse, or having someone fall through the floor.  These buildings can also harbor asbestos, mold, rodent and bird droppings, etc...all of which can pose a serious threat to those entering without proper equipment.  Outdoor properties may contain old hunting traps, mine shaft openings, wells, and hidden barbed wire fencing, among the many other dangers.  There is also the danger of the human element:  there may be someone actively trying to protect the property, or there simply may be someone there who is up to no good.


PASSIVE TRESPASSING
Passive trespassing is more common in this field, but can still be just as dangerous. By my own personal definition again, I define passive trespassing as investigating a location even though you cannot find an owner for the property, or believing that you have a right to be there since its "public" property.  Obviously, this area is a little more gray.  All properties are owned by someone, whether its an individual, a corporation, or the government.  All necessary steps should be taken to try to contact and obtain permission, in writing, from the owner to be on the property.  A visit to your county assessor's office, or county clerk can provide an owner's information, but also don't be afraid to ask around.  If there are residences or businesses nearby, they probably have a good idea who owns the property, or whether or not its abandoned.  Local law enforcement may also have an idea of who owns the property.  If an owner can truly not be found, its usually best to err on the side of caution and wait for another investigation opportunity to present itself.

Should a property actually be "public" property, make sure you are up-to-date on your state code.  Places like cemeteries and public parks are always favorite spots for newer ghost hunters to explore and gain some experience, but in many states, these places, whether its posted or not, are technically closed to the public after dusk.  You can still seek permission from whatever governing body runs or owns the location, and in many times, will be granted permission.

UNINTENTIONAL TRESPASSING
This last category is pretty broad and honestly, pretty weird.  I wasn't sure what to call it, so I'm going with unintentional trespassing.  This is when someone gives you permission for an investigation, but that person really isn't authorized to do so.  Sometimes an employee of a business will ask you to investigate, or give you permission without clearing it with the owner...especially if the owner lives out of the area and is not involved in the day to day operations of the business.  Another common scenario would be tenants of a rental giving permission for an investigation without consent of or to the knowledge of the landlord.  Generally these scenarios won't result in any type of physical/bodily harm, especially if the representative that gave you the permission is on site.  You may be asked to leave, or not publish certain information about any evidence you may collect if the owner finds out what is going on, but I've never heard of a case where anyone was hurt in this type of scenario.

However, there is a third type of unintentional trespass that COULD be dangerous. This is when there are multiple people living at a residence, usually a husband and wife, and only ONE of the adults gives consent...against the wishes or knowledge of the other, lol.  This actually does happen, and its happened to us.  Luckily, we spotted the red flags and gracefully bowed out of the investigation request before coming to the site.  I could only imagine what would happen if someone came home and found a bunch of uninvited strangers in his/her home!  This is also something that may happen when there are multiple generations of adults in the home and the parent or child gives permission against the wishes of the other, a scenario you sometimes see when there is an elderly person in the home.  Obviously, you would want to try to make sure that EVERYONE in the home is on-board and AWARE of what is happening, and that if there is a suspected issue, check to see whose name is actually on the title or deed, and that the one granting permission is over the age of 18 and is of sound mind.

STAYING SAFE
So let's say that you have been granted permission by the appropriate person(s) to be at a location (or its a public location and state code is loose enough that it doesn't specifically disallow you to be there) and its a location where the owners will NOT be on site with you.  In fact, due to the nature of these types of locations, people in general usually aren't there at night.  How can you continue to maximize your safety?  I've written an article about outdoor investigations which offers a good deal of safety tips on this subject, but here's a basic run-down of safety tips that apply specifically to these cases.


* Do a walk-through of the property during the daylight hours, making note of any potential hazards.
* Let someone outside your group know where you'll be and when you're expected back.
* Don't investigate alone.
* Get written permission and keep a copy of it with you, as well as your ID.
* If someone asks you to leave, don't argue.  Just leave and contact the owners.
* Alert local law enforcement, caretakers, or any neighbors that you will be on site and let them know for how long.
* Wear light colored clothing to increase your visibility.
* Closed toe shoes are preferred.
* Have a cell phone handy.
* Bring a first aid kit
* Stay off any roads or train tracks
* Have proper safety equipment, such as gloves and respirators if in old buildings
* No smoking on the property
* If a building has more than one floor, don't go beyond the ground floor if there is any question about the stability of the stairs.
* No horseplay, no drinking, and no drugs.
* Do your research--if this is a location where drug dealers hang out, there's lots of violent crime, or an active serial killer is dumping bodies, then this might not be the best location to visit.
* When in doubt, get out.  If for whatever reason the situation feels unsafe, leave.

I hope you found this information useful and will always remember to just practice good sense when it comes to investigating places that have the potential to be dangerous.  Happy hunting, stay safe, and join me next Sunday when I'll share my recommendations for building the ideal ghost hunting first aid kit!