What the Smurl Family Reported
The Smurl family moved into a home at 3167 Chase Street in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, in 1986. They reported a series of disturbances they described as poltergeist activity, including loud noises, objects moving, and apparitions. The family contacted local clergy and paranormal researchers to document the events. West Pittston is a borough in Luzerne County, an area also affected by broader regional economic and demographic shifts.
Jack and Janet Smurl publicly shared their accounts with media outlets, which drew national attention to the property. Their descriptions included shadow figures, unexplained smells, and physical interactions within the house. The family stated that the disturbances persisted for several years and affected their daily routines.
Investigations and Official Responses
Multiple groups, including clergy and self-described paranormal investigators, visited the Smurl residence to conduct interviews and observations. Some investigators attributed the activity to residual energy or environmental factors, while others cited the family's consistent testimony. No single government agency formally validated the claims as supernatural events.
Local law enforcement and municipal records did not classify the Smurl home as a public safety hazard or a crime scene. The events were covered by regional and national news outlets, which helped shape public perception of the case. The New York Times and other media organizations reported on the Smurl story as part of broader coverage of paranormal claims in the late 1980s.
Current Status and Legacy
The Smurl haunting case remains a frequently cited example in discussions of paranormal folklore and media influence. The property itself has changed ownership over the years, and current residents have not publicly reported similar disturbances. The story continues to be referenced in books, documentaries, and online archives about haunted locations.
Researchers studying the case rely on contemporaneous news reports, interviews, and published accounts rather than verified scientific measurements. Forbes has covered the business and cultural dimensions of paranormal tourism, including how stories like the Smurl haunting attract visitors and influence local economies. The case illustrates how personal narratives, media coverage, and community belief intersect to create lasting legends.