Why Are People Dying In This Scientology-Owned Hotel? After Three ‘Suspicious’ Deaths, Still No Answers
Much of what the Church of Scientology does is shrouded in mystery, and those who break their vows of secrecy are reportedly blacklisted — or worse. Months ago, a riveting story by Lateet surfaced that covered the unsolved mysterious deaths at the Fort Harrison Hotel, a Scientologist-owned property in Florida. Since 1975, three people died at the guesthouse under veils of controversy. Moreover, there is a pattern of denying police entry into the lodge after 911 calls are placed. A discussion on Reddit is trending because another year is going by without answers.
Fox News followed up on the ongoing story and confirmed that three deaths have taken place in the building, which is owned and operated by the Church of Scientology. The scant information about the unsolved deaths all share similar elements: confusing/ambiguous statements, recanted testimony, alleged withheld information, and little investigative files from law enforcement.
The crimes scenes are all in the Scientology Headquarters’ Fort Harrison Flag Land Base building. The imposing building is nestled on a large expanse of land.
The Shocking 3 Deaths At The Fort Harrison Hotel #Scientology #deaths https://t.co/NrUGqP4jnh pic.twitter.com/1lgyYD0JRV
— The Newsclick (@thenewclick2015) December 31, 2015
The building in question is the Fort Harrison Hotel is in the spiritual headquarters of Scientology, in Clearwater, Florida. It is the flagship building of the Flag Land Base and is owned and operated by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization.
The 11-story building reportedly has 220 rooms, a ballroom, swimming pool, and three eateries. The facility provides lodging and “course and auditing” rooms for Scientologist who are preparing for a deeper understanding of the religion.
However, skeptics say the three murders, beginning with Lisa McPherson’s death, has thrown a dark shadow over the Scientology Church’s history. The deceased passed away on December 5, 1995, after staying at Fort Harrison Hotel for 17 days. The cause of death is said to have been from a blood clot that stemmed from dehydration and extended bed rest.
In 1997, a challenge was launched against the official cause of death. During that time, a spokesperson for the organization said McPherson died at the hotel, not en route to a medical facility, as previously reported. Later, the Church of Scientology retracted the acknowledgment.
Red flags were raised when information got out that the dead woman had unexplained superficial injuries to her body, and she suffered extreme weight loss in a short span of time — 30 pounds in less than three weeks. Still, the prosecution dropped all formal charges against the Church.
Fifteen years earlier, Josephus A. Havenith, a Scientologist, died at the Fort Harrison Hotel. Investigative documents say his lifeless body was found in a tub of hot water with temperatures high enough to slough off his skin.
The official cause of Havenith’s death was attributed to drowning. However, the medical examiner noted in their report that the victim’s head was not submerged when he was found dead.
A third victim died on the property at the property in 1988. Heribert Pfaff reportedly had a seizure. Of note, he began the Church’s “vitamin program” after stopping conventional medication for his condition.
Early this year, a controversial documentary aired on HBO, which featured horror stories about the secret goings-on in the Church of Scientology. Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief revealed many alleged practices that take place behind closed doors. There are reports of banished and missing members, who are “punished” for various indiscretions, a “Hole” for “re-educating” troublemakers, forced confinement, and inhumane conditions.
Alex Gibney reveals the intimidation he received during the making of #GoingClear: https://t.co/jDIXTZCGYx pic.twitter.com/Ls3Pn3OXLA
— Screen International (@Screendaily) December 30, 2015
The frequency of police service calls is worthy of note. Just in 1997, there were some reported 160 incident calls at the Fort Harrison Hotel. However, each time officers arrived at the facility, Scientology security denied them entry.
Sources say since the airing of the documentary and public revelations from former Scientologists, the number of incidents has declined. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean the cult-like practices have stopped, as the organization has allegedly improved its suppression tactics.
What really killed the three people at the Scientology Church hotel?
[Image via Twitter Screenshot]