Waverly Hills Sanatorium - Death Tunnel
Over 63,000 patients died in this tuberculosis hospital. Bodies were secretly removed through a 500-foot 'death tunnel.' The abandoned sanatorium is now America's most active haunted location.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, where over 63,000 tuberculosis patients allegedly died, is considered one of the most haunted places in America. The facility’s “death tunnel” and desperate experimental treatments created a perfect setting for tragedy.
The History
According to documented accounts:
The sanatorium opened in 1910 during the tuberculosis epidemic:
- TB was called the “White Plague”
- No cure existed
- Treatments were experimental and often cruel
- Fresh air and sunlight were primary therapies
- Many patients never recovered
The Death Tunnel
The infamous “body chute”:
- A 500-foot underground tunnel
- Originally used for supplies
- Later used to secretly remove bodies
- Kept deaths hidden from patients
- Bodies were lowered by cart to waiting hearses
The Treatments
Patients endured:
- Exposure therapy (outdoor sleeping in winter)
- Bloodletting
- Removal of ribs to collapse lungs
- Balloons inserted into lungs
- Experimental surgeries
- Electric shock treatments
The Hauntings
The sanatorium is extremely active:
Room 502: A nurse allegedly hanged herself here. Another jumped to her death. Visitors report intense activity.
The Fourth Floor: Shadow figures, screams, and running footsteps are common.
The Roof: Where children patients were kept. Phantom children are reported.
The Death Tunnel: Cold spots, voices, and shadow figures throughout.
Common Experiences
Visitors report:
- Shadow figures moving through halls
- Screams and moans
- The smell of cooking food
- Doors slamming
- Being touched or pushed
- Voices calling names
- Full-bodied apparitions
Notable Ghosts
Timmy: A child patient who plays with balls left for him.
The Creeper: A dark entity that crawls on walls and ceilings.
Room 502 Nurse: A figure seen hanging in the nurse’s station.
Investigations
Investigated by:
- Ghost Hunters (TAPS)
- Ghost Adventures (multiple episodes)
- Most Haunted
- Paranormal State
- Hundreds of independent teams
Evidence captured includes EVPs, thermal images, and full-spectrum photos.
Modern Status
Today Waverly Hills offers:
- Historical tours
- Overnight paranormal investigations
- Special events
- It’s one of the most investigated locations in America