THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Local legend says the spirits of Michael and Alexander Smith remain near John D. Long Lake following their tragic deaths there in 1994, with folklore describing the children as still searching for someone to play with.
John D. Long Lake became nationally known following the deaths of three-year-old Michael Smith and fourteen-month-old Alexander Smith in October 1994. Their mother, Susan Smith, deliberately allowed her car to roll into the lake while the two boys remained strapped inside. In the years following the tragedy, paranormal folklore developed around the lake. One South Carolina haunting account claims that the spirits of the two children remain near the water, still looking for someone to play with. The paranormal portion of the story is local legend, while the deaths themselves are extensively documented. A memorial honoring Michael and Alexander remains near the lake.