Executive Summary
The Flatwoods Monster incident of September 12, 1952, represents one of the most terrifying close encounters with an unidentified entity in UFO history. Following reports of a crashed object in the hills near Flatwoods, West Virginia, seven local residents ventured to investigate and encountered a massive, otherworldly creature that left several witnesses with lasting physical and psychological effects. The case combines elements of UFO crash retrieval with cryptozoological encounters, creating one of the most unique incidents in the annals of anomalous phenomena.
Background and Setting
Flatwoods, West Virginia
Population: Approximately 300 residents (1952) Terrain: Heavily forested hills and hollows Economy: Coal mining and farming community Culture: Rural Appalachian, close-knit community
The small town of Flatwoods sits in the rugged terrain of central West Virginia, where coal mining families lived in relative isolation. The community’s remoteness and the challenging mountain terrain would play crucial roles in the events that unfolded.
The Witnesses
Primary Group:
- Kathleen “Kathryn” May (32) - Mother, school teacher
- Eddie May (13) - Son
- Fred May (12) - Son
- Tommy Hyer (10) - Neighbor boy
- Neil Nunley (14) - Local teenager
- Gene Lemon (17) - National Guard member
- Max Lockard (18) - Local resident
Background: The witnesses were well-known community members with good reputations. Kathleen May was a respected educator, and Gene Lemon was a National Guard member, lending credibility to their accounts.
The Initial UFO Sighting
The Fireball
Time: 7:15 PM, September 12, 1952 Witnesses: Multiple residents across the region
A bright, fiery object was observed streaking across the sky by numerous witnesses throughout Braxton County and neighboring areas. The object appeared to change direction and crash or land on the Fisher farm property near Flatwoods.
Description:
- Bright red-orange fireball
- Estimated size: 20-30 feet diameter
- Changed direction during flight
- Descended behind Bailey Fisher’s property
- Left a glowing residue in its wake
Community Response
Eddie and Fred May were playing football in their yard when they observed the object. Excited by what they believed was a crashed aircraft or meteor, they convinced their mother and friends to investigate the site.
The Expedition
Group Formation
7:30 PM: Kathleen May reluctantly agreed to accompany the boys to investigate, believing they might find a crashed aircraft requiring assistance.
Equipment:
- Flashlight (carried by Gene Lemon)
- No other tools or weapons
- Casual evening clothing
The Journey
The group walked approximately half a mile up a steep, wooded hill toward the Fisher farm. The terrain was rough, with dense underbrush and limited visibility due to the approaching darkness.
Tommy Hyer’s Account:
“We were all excited, thinking we might find a real spaceship or plane crash. Nobody was scared yet - that came later.”
The Encounter Site
Initial Observations
7:45 PM: The group reached the top of the hill and observed several unusual phenomena:
Environmental Anomalies:
- Strong, metallic, irritating odor permeating the area
- Misty or foggy atmosphere despite clear weather
- Unusual silence - no typical forest sounds
- Several trees appeared damaged or scorched
The Object
In a clearing near the top of the hill, the witnesses observed a large, pulsating red light approximately 50 feet away.
Kathleen May’s Description:
“There was this big ball of fire, maybe 20 feet across, just sitting there in the clearing. It was pulsing like a heartbeat, getting brighter and dimmer.”
Characteristics:
- Size: Approximately 20 feet in diameter
- Color: Bright red with pulsating intensity
- Heat: No heat sensation despite bright glow
- Sound: Low humming or hissing noise
- Duration: Observed for several minutes
The Monster Encounter
First Sighting
7:50 PM: Gene Lemon’s flashlight beam swept across an enormous tree and illuminated what appeared to be two bright, red eyes approximately 10 feet off the ground.
Initial Reaction: The group initially thought they were seeing an animal’s eyes, possibly a bear or large owl.
The Creature Revealed
As the flashlight beam stabilized, the witnesses observed a massive, humanoid figure that defied conventional explanation.
Physical Description:
- Height: 10-12 feet tall
- Head: Large, round, red face or helmet with glowing eyes
- Body: Dark, possibly metallic appearance
- Shape: Humanoid but disproportionate
- Clothing: Appeared to wear a dark, hood-like garment
- Movement: Glided rather than walked
Detailed Witness Accounts
Gene Lemon (Flashlight bearer):
“When I got the light on it, I saw this huge thing with a red face and glowing eyes. It was about 10 feet tall and seemed to be floating a few inches off the ground.”
Kathleen May:
“It looked like a man, but no man was ever that big. Its face was round and red like a stop sign, and those eyes - they glowed like two red light bulbs.”
Eddie May:
“The thing was wearing something dark, like a dress or robe. Its head looked too big for its body, and it just stared at us with those awful red eyes.”
The Confrontation
Creature Behavior
The entity did not immediately react to the group’s presence but seemed to observe them with its glowing eyes. After several seconds of mutual observation, the creature began to move.
Movement Pattern:
- Glided forward without visible leg movement
- Maintained upright posture
- Emitted a high-pitched, hissing sound
- Released a sickening, metallic odor
Human Response
The witnesses’ reaction was immediate and instinctive:
Gene Lemon: Dropped the flashlight and ran Children: Screamed and fled down the hill Kathleen May: Briefly stood her ground, then followed the group
Max Lockard’s Account:
“Gene dropped that flashlight and took off running. We all did. I’ve never been so scared in my life. That thing was like nothing I’d ever seen or heard of.”
Physiological Effects
Immediate Symptoms
Several witnesses experienced physical symptoms both during and immediately after the encounter:
Gene Lemon:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Irritated throat and difficulty swallowing
- Nasal congestion and breathing difficulty
- Headache and dizziness
Kathleen May:
- Irritated eyes and throat
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Metallic taste in mouth
Children:
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Irritated throats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Recurring nightmares
Medical Assessment
Dr. Charles Stewart examined several of the witnesses and documented their symptoms:
“The symptoms were consistent with exposure to some form of irritant, possibly chemical in nature. The throat irritation and breathing difficulties were particularly pronounced in those who were closest to the incident site.”
Investigation and Response
Sheriff’s Investigation
Sheriff Robert Carr responded to the report and conducted an investigation the following morning.
Crime Scene Findings:
- Strong, lingering metallic odor in the area
- Flattened grass in a circular pattern
- Skid marks on the hillside
- Several trees with apparent scorch marks
- No conventional explanation for the disturbances
Newspaper Coverage
Braxton Democrat: Local newspaper provided initial coverage Charleston Gazette: State-wide attention National Press: Story picked up by major newspapers
The incident quickly gained regional and national attention, with reporters visiting Flatwoods to interview witnesses and investigate the site.
Project Blue Book Response
Investigation Date: September 14, 1952 Investigators: Captain Kenneth Dewelt, Lt. Colonel George Freeman
Air Force Findings:
- No evidence of crashed aircraft
- No radiation detected at the site
- Witnesses appeared sincere and credible
- No conventional explanation identified
- Classified as “Unknown”
Alternative Explanations Examined
Owl and Meteor Theory
Proposed by: Some investigators and skeptics Theory: Witnesses saw a barn owl perched in a tree, illuminated by a flashlight, following an unrelated meteor sighting.
Supporting Evidence:
- Owls have reflective eyes
- Can appear larger in darkness
- Present in West Virginia forests
Contradicting Evidence:
- Size estimates incompatible with owls
- Gliding movement inconsistent with owl behavior
- Physical symptoms unexplained
- Environmental anomalies not addressed
- Multiple witness consistency
Mass Hysteria
Assessment: Incompatible
- Initial calm investigation
- Rational decision-making process
- Physical symptoms documented medically
- Environmental evidence present
- No prior UFO hysteria in the community
Hoax Hypothesis
Assessment: Unlikely
- No financial motivation
- Witnesses faced ridicule, not profit
- Physical symptoms documented by medical professionals
- Environmental evidence corroborates accounts
- Consistent testimony over decades
Military Test
Assessment: Ruled out
- No military operations in the area
- No classified projects acknowledged
- Technology beyond 1952 capabilities
- No military personnel observed
- Air Force investigation found no military connection
Scientific Analysis
Environmental Evidence
Soil Analysis: Samples taken from the landing site showed:
- No unusual chemical composition
- Slight magnetic anomalies
- Compressed earth in circular pattern
- No radioactive contamination
Vegetation Analysis:
- Scorch marks on several trees
- Damaged underbrush in specific area
- No conventional burn patterns
- Recovery of vegetation abnormally slow
Physiological Effects Study
Symptoms Analysis:
- Consistent with chemical irritant exposure
- Respiratory system primarily affected
- No long-term health consequences
- Similar to gas or aerosol exposure
Medical Opinion: Dr. Stewart’s assessment suggested exposure to an unknown airborne irritant, possibly chemical in nature.
Cultural Impact
Local Community
Immediate Effects:
- Increased vigilance and concern
- Some residents avoided the area
- Community support for witnesses
- Enhanced interest in unexplained phenomena
Long-term Impact:
- Annual Flatwoods Monster Festival
- Tourist attraction development
- Local folklore integration
- Community identity association
Regional Influence
West Virginia:
- Inspired other cryptozoological reports
- Influenced local monster legends
- Enhanced state’s paranormal reputation
- Academic folklore studies
National Significance
UFO Community: Established as classic close encounter case Cryptozoology: Bridge between UFO and monster encounters Popular Culture: Inspired books, documentaries, and films Academic Study: Subject of folklore and anthropological research
Witness Credibility Assessment
Background Checks
Kathleen May: Respected school teacher, no history of deception Gene Lemon: National Guard member, responsible community member Children: No history of elaborate fabrications Family Reputation: Well-regarded in the community
Consistency Analysis
Timeline: All witnesses provided consistent chronology Description: Entity descriptions remarkably similar Behavior: Consistent accounts of creature movements Effects: Similar physical symptoms across witnesses
Long-term Reliability
Decades of Consistency: Witnesses maintained same accounts No Recantations: No witness ever claimed the incident was fabricated Family Support: Extended family corroborated witnesses’ integrity Community Backing: Local residents supported witness credibility
Modern Analysis
Technology Assessment
1952 Capabilities: No known technology could explain observed phenomena Current Understanding: Creature characteristics remain unexplained Materials Science: No known materials explain observed properties Aerospace Technology: Object capabilities exceeded 1952 aircraft
Comparative Case Studies
Similar Encounters:
- Kelly-Hopkinsville (1955): Humanoid entities with unusual characteristics
- Pascagoula Abduction (1973): Non-human entity encounters
- Varginha Incident (1996): Creature sightings following UFO crash
Pattern Recognition:
- UFO activity preceding entity encounters
- Physiological effects on witnesses
- Environmental disturbances at encounter sites
- Large, bipedal humanoid entities
Current Status
Ongoing Research
- Annual site investigations
- Witness family interviews
- Environmental monitoring
- Comparative case analysis
- Folklore documentation
Unresolved Questions
- Entity Origin: What was the creature and where did it come from?
- Technology: How did it produce the observed effects?
- Purpose: Why did it appear at that location and time?
- Disappearance: Where did it go after the encounter?
- Connection: What was the relationship to the UFO sighting?
Community Legacy
Tourism: Annual Flatwoods Monster Festival Education: Local history preservation efforts Research: Ongoing academic and independent investigations Commemoration: Monument and museum displays
Conclusions
The Flatwoods Monster incident represents a unique confluence of UFO and cryptozoological phenomena that continues to challenge conventional explanation. The combination of:
- Multiple Credible Witnesses: Seven individuals with consistent testimony
- Physical Evidence: Environmental disturbances and physiological effects
- Medical Documentation: Professional documentation of physical symptoms
- Official Investigation: Project Blue Book classification as “Unknown”
- Community Verification: Local confirmation of witness credibility
Creates one of the most compelling entity encounter cases in the literature. The incident’s significance extends beyond UFO research into folklore, anthropology, and regional cultural studies.
Despite extensive investigation and numerous alternative explanations, no conventional theory adequately accounts for all aspects of the encounter. The Flatwoods Monster remains one of the most credible and well-documented close encounters with an unknown entity in the annals of unexplained phenomena.
The case continues to inspire research, commemoration, and cultural expression, ensuring its place in both UFO history and American folklore.
Report compiled from Project Blue Book files, witness testimonies, medical records, and local historical documentation. Some details supplemented by family members and community historians.