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 —Â 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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