Ep 7. The Spontaneous Human Combustion of Mary Reeser

Title: BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural Season 2 Episode 7 - The Spontaneous Human Combustion of Mary Reeser

Description:

In this chilling episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural, host Ryan Bergara and his skeptical partner Shane Madej dive into the mysterious case of Mary Reeser, a woman who allegedly died from spontaneous human combustion in her Florida home on July 2, 1951. The duo embarks on a compelling investigation to uncover the truth behind this perplexing phenomenon that still baffles experts to this day.

Opening with historical accounts and eerie photographs, Ryan and Shane set the stage for the unsettling tale. They recount how Mary Reeser, a 67-year-old retired nurse, was found deceased inside her apartment after her landlady noticed an unusual smell and called the police. Even more perplexing, upon discovery of her charred remains, there were barely any traces of fire damage in the surrounding room, raising suspicions of spontaneous human combustion.

The investigation commences as Ryan and Shane visit the location where the incident took place over six decades ago. Armed with their usual mix of skepticism and curiosity, they speak with experts, including renowned forensic scientist Dr. John DeHaan, to gain insights into the concept of spontaneous combustion. Dr. DeHaan generously shares his extensive knowledge on the subject, discussing both the scientific and theoretical aspects of the phenomenon.

With these expert opinions in mind, Ryan and Shane meticulously examine the evidence and testimonies surrounding Mary Reeser’s case. They explore the possibility of an accelerant or external catalyst being present, which may have caused the fire, despite the absence of fire damage on nearby objects. The duo also investigates whether the so-called “wick effect” theory, in which a person's clothing can act as a candle wick, could explain the intense heat generated during spontaneous human combustion.

Venturing further, Ryan and Shane venture into Mary Reeser's personal life, delving into her background, which includes the sudden death of her son just months before her own demise. Intrigued by the potentially paranormal facets surrounding the investigation, the hosts seek to discover if there were any supernatural elements at play. Cautiously navigating through various theories, they explore claims of paranormal witnesses, haunting encounters, and demonic entities that may have contributed to this baffling incident.

As the investigation deepens, the duo faces dilemmas, questions long-standing assumptions, and confronts sensationalist aspects associated with spontaneous human combustion. Ryan and Shane's distinct perspectives add a refreshing contrast to the investigation, with Ryan's unwavering belief in potential supernatural explanations, juxtaposed against Shane's skepticism and emphasis on scientific reasoning.

In their quest for answers, Ryan and Shane consult numerous professionals, including fire investigators and forensic experts, who provide critical scientific perspectives. Balancing historical context, expert analysis, and personal anecdotes, they painstakingly reconstruct the events of that fateful night, questioning whether the spontaneous combustion theory can truly account for the strange case of Mary Reeser or if there are other factors at play.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer several compelling theories to support both mundane and supernatural hypotheses, keeping viewers both intrigued and perplexed. As their investigation reaches its climax, Ryan and Shane confront an unsettling conclusion, all while sparking a deeper interest and curiosity surrounding the phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion.

In this engrossing episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural, Ryan and Shane take audiences on an unforgettable journey of discovery and exploration, as they seek to unravel the mysteries of Mary Reeser's tragic case, leaving us pondering the enigma of spontaneous human combustion long after the episode concludes.