Blood, Death and Fears: The Haunting of Old South Pittsburg Hospital (Investigating the Haunted)

By Richard Estep

In this book Richard explores the Old South Pittsburg Hospital in South Pittsburg Tennessee. Very much like previous tomes, Richard gives a brief history of the location in the first chapter. As far as locations go this one is not all that old. It started its service to the Pittsburg community in 1959 and was officially, completely shut down in 1998. Not a super long run compared to a lot of places. Chapters 2-5 comprise of summations of investigations that have aired on TV including Brad and Barry Klinge’s “Ghost Lab”, “Destination Fear”, “Ghost Asylum”, and “Kindred Spirits”. The Klinge Brothers are true to form in their episode. Richard knows them personally at this point so he is more than familiar with their style of investigation (which is scientific evidence based only, no feels here and no added drama).

Speaking of drama Richard’s review of the episode of “Destination Fear” is great. It seems that this group is more concerned with hyping their investigation with rumor and legend instead of fact. That’s one thing about Richard. You can trust that he does and will do research. He’s looking for the truth not ratings. He’s pretty critical of this episode and even tried to contact the show to find out where they were getting their information. They of course ignored his attempts to reach out. Essentially their prepared “research” notes should probably be taken with a grain salt.

The “Ghost Asylum” crew does not seem to be much better in the facts department. They also make statements that are not backed up by anything historically factual. BUT this said the interview that Richard does with “Doogie”, one of the members of the investigative team, redeems at least him (you have to wonder how much of the made up parts of stories and the drama here are from the production execs and not the investigators themselves). I’m thinking that this is probably a pattern with many of these shows. Drama, drama, drama. While entertaining, not particularly respectful and honest. Oh and not every sound is a ghost.

“Kindred Spirits” seems to be a little better but only just at the very end. The issue that I have with these shows is that so many of them focus on the negative rumors and stories that surround these locations when in fact there is no proof that any of those rumors or stories are based on anything factual. I think this can contribute negativity to a place that may not necessarily be negative by its nature. Meaning they do more harm than good for the sake of the all mighty dollar.

Then chapters 6-8 are interviews with the current owner Ronnie, a former hospital employee named Donald Partlin (he was a lab tech there in the 90’s), and a non-celebrity paranormal investigator, Jordan.

Chapter 9 starts the account of Richards own investigation. I will start by helping to spread the message that Jim, the previous live-in caretaker of the hospital was NOT a junkie drug addict with violent tendencies (marijuana does not a junkie make and they tend to be more hungry and giggly than violent). In fact for those that knew him, he was known to be a lovely man (artist and dog lover) who cared very much for the hospital. So if you have the pleasure of visiting this location please treat Jim with the respect that he deserves. Appreciate it!

Richard’s team of three have been given unrestricted access to the whole facility. This is not always the case for all investigative teams. We get to spend times with Stephen and Jason whom we have met before. They will be there for three days, then Richard will be spending the forth night with another investigative group as an observer and the on the fifth night he has been invited to participate in a public event. Overall the results of Richards team are worth the visit and he seems to always enjoy participating in public events.

Closing thoughts:

One of the best takeaways from this book for me is Richards golden rule of life (and death) and one that I try to live by as well: “don’t be a dick”. It’s actually a pretty simple rule to follow but for some reason so many of us fail at this. Respect and common sense will take you far in not becoming or being identifying as a “dick”. Not that any of you Ghoulies meet the qualifications of course! (We all fit the bill occasionally)

  These books are always very well written and interesting. There are also always some amusing moments when you get Stephen and Richard together. There are a couple of visits to Civil War historical locations (Richard is very passionate about the history of the Civil War) during the time that they did not have access to the hospital. Once again be sure to be respectful of all those that occupy Old South Pittsburg Hospital. Happy hunting Ghoulies!

Happy Devouring!

The Sexton