Please Don't Trespass

Photo from Alamy.com

Paranormal investigation can be a dangerous hobby. As investigators, we put ourselves in a position where we’re exposed to a wide array of safety concerns. We traipse around old buildings with steep stairs, structural damage, BATS…and we’re doing so, walking around in the dark, loaded down with equipment. I could go on and on with all the dangers we face in this field. There’s a lot of factors we can try to minimize and control, but inherently, there will always be risks.

One way we can minimize quite a few risks is simple. Don’t trespass on private property. Don’t be where you don’t have permission. Often, access to a location is denied/restricted based on liability issues—abandoned properties are fun to explore, but they aren’t safe. Other times, a location isn’t deemed dangerous because its abandoned….it is dangerous because it is NOT. 

Such was the case of University of Cincinnati freshman, Jack W. Langhorst. Jack, 18 years old, and two of his buddies were at a drive-in restaurant when they met up with some girls. The conversation turned spooky, as the girls began sharing stories of ‘haunted houses’ they knew about in the area. 

The group decided that a little ghost hunting was more fun than hanging out at the drive-in, so the entire group of nine piled into their cars and drove to one of the houses. The house chosen was a 150 year old farmhouse near Ross, Ohio. They parked in the front yard, and Jack got out. Showing his bravery in front of the girls and his guy pals, he boldly walked up to the house and entered. Seconds later, two shotgun blasts rang out. 

Jack staggered out of the house and collapsed. He had been shot in both the neck and the back and passed away from his injuries. The shooter was 82 year old Harry Demoret, who owned the home. Demoret claimed a group of kids had broken into his property just a few days ago, and believed the group was there to rob him. No charges were filed and this incident became just another example of a tragic accident that could have been prevented. Jack is buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Cincinnati. 

Before you head out in search of ghosts or just a spooky good time, please remember to make smart choices. Obtain permission, scout out the location in daylight hours, and never go alone. You can check out my article below for more info on the dangers of trespassing. Stay spooky, ya’ll. 

SAFETY: GETTING PERMISSION TO INVESTIGATE

15 January 1962 The Ironton Tribune (Ironton, OH)

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