Whether there for an overnight investigation, or just a paranormal tour, visitors to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV are inundated with tragic tales of the patients who once called the old hospital home. Many believe that quite a few of those patients remain there to this day, and guides share their stories, as well as possible interactions with them in the spirit realm. One particular haunting that leaves an impression on all who hear of it, is the ghost of Dean Metheny and his tormentors.
Dean Metheny was born October 20, 1937 to parents Pauletta and Lewis Metheny. Unfortunately, Dean would suffer developmental delays. Those who knew him described him as very sweet and child-like. For the most part, he was a docile, happy guy…until he wasn’t. Dean was prone to violent outbursts, most likely an expression of frustration brought on by not being able to clearly communicate his needs and wants to those around him.
As a grown man, it would have been increasingly difficult for aging parents to not only control these violent outbursts, but provide adequate treatment and care for his condition. It was decided that the best place for him to be was in a state institution, which in this case was the Weston State Hospital.
In September of 1987, Dean was just a month away from celebrating his 50th birthday. Due to his violent outbursts, he was assigned to Ward F, along with some of the more violent patients at the hospital. It is said that on the day in question, Dean spent time coloring with a nurse, before being sent to a seclusion dorm. Secluded, it was not, however. In the room with him were David Michael Mason (25 years old) and James Woods (30 years old). Annoyed by Dean’s child-like demeanor, the two men decided to make him be quiet. They wrapped a bedsheet around his neck and strung him up over a pipe in the room. There they kept him until he lost consciousness. Then, they took him down, let him regain consciousness….and then they did it again. This went on for several sessions before the two men either got bored, tired, or scared they were going to get in trouble.
To put an end to their games, one of them held Dean’s head down and positioned one of the legs of the metal-framed bed over his head. The other man then jumped up and down on the bed, piercing Dean’s skull and killing him. On one of my visits to the asylum, a tour guide said that when asked why they had killed him, Mason and Woods claimed that they didn’t kill him—a ghost did. I’m not sure if this was actually the case, because I can’t currently find any other mention of that story. It may be something confused with an 1877 murder at the asylum where a patient killed his roommate and then claimed that God had made him do it (see article
HERE).
Dean’s body was taken home to his family, and he was buried in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Bruceton Mills. His killers, already institutionalized for violent crimes, didn’t really suffer any consequences for taking a life. In fact, Mason would go on to be involved in the death of ANOTHER patient several years later. In 1992, Mason beat up George Bodie, who died shortly after. It was ruled that even though he died of a heart attack, it was a result of the interaction with Mason. (See article
HERE)
 |
| TALA 2017 |
Today, ghost hunters have claimed that the quiet, shy ghost of Dean likes to interact them in the area of his death, which was ironically fairly close to the nurse’s station. Dean, who was believed to be mute (possibly deaf/mute) enjoys communicating in ways he wasn’t able to in life, by using devices such as flashlights and the Ovilus. Some visitors have even felt a gentle hug in what is known as ‘Dean’s Room.’ But witnesses have often reported that not long after making contact with Dean, at least one (and sometimes two) shadowy male figures will show up. These shadow beings produce a feeling of nausea and uneasiness to many who witness them, and it is reported that there is a considerable mood shift. This is when Dean tends to quiet down and disappear, prompting many to believe that the shadows, which didn’t show up until AFTER Mason’s death off-site, are the spirits of his tormentors.
Theresa’s Note: For years, I’ve put off sharing this particular story out of respect for both living family members/parties involved, and because I never actually LIKE to share tragedies. As a paranormal researcher/investigator, I have a lot of conflicting feelings about sharing stories like this. On one hand, I don’t want to exploit the tragic nature of death and suffering for the sake of a good ghost story. But on the other hand, since these stories ARE a part of history and ARE a piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding why locations are haunted, I feel like it’s important to share them as accurately as possible, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves.
Interestingly, the sources that I remember being available on this specific case are almost impossible for me to find now. I can’t even find any relevant newspaper articles on my archive services of choice. Sometime in the near future, I plan on going to check out the microfiche collection at the library, so if I find anything of note, I’ll update then. And, if you do get the opportunity to investigate this fascinating location, maybe take along some crayons and paper and take a few minutes to color with Dean. Speak gently to him and listen for him to communicate back in his unique way. Hopefully, he’ll one day finally find the peace and safety he deserved, but was so tragically denied.
Source:
http://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/2025/05/tala-tales-dean-metheny.html
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
