The supernatural, I suspect, resembles nature in that, though you drive it out with a pitchfork, it always comes creeping back…
— D.J. Enright, editor, The Oxford Book of Death
Much study and research have been done to determine why someone becomes a ghost, and the prevailing theory is that sudden and traumatic death is more likely to result in a haunting.
Though some ghosts may stay here simply because they want to, most ghosts are caused by one of the following situations:
Murder — especially those that remain unsolved. Sometimes the ghost will not move on until the murder is solved.
Accidents — Sudden death from accidents such as car wrecks, drownings, falls, and fires. Hauntings are far more prevalent from accidental deaths than those caused naturally.
Suicide — The pain and torment that a suicide victim feels will often cause them to remain here in ghostly form.
Broken hearts — Much like suicide, the pain and torment felt by someone who dies while mourning a lost love or a family member may cause them to remain earthbound.
Desecration of a grave – While these spirits may have initially passed on, they will often return if the grave is vandalized, a tombstone is stolen, or another grave is desecrated.
Greed — Sometimes, humans are preoccupied with land or money, which can create hauntings when the ghost cannot let go of its earthly possessions.
Lack of a proper burial — If the spirit believes they did not receive what they believe is a proper burial, they may remain.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated June 2026.
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