On the morning of July 2, 1951, investigators in St. Petersburg, Florida discovered a scene that defied all logic. Mary Reeser, a 67-year-old widow, was found almost entirely reduced to ash in her apartment. Her foot, still clad in a slipper, and part of her skull were all that remained. Strangely, the room showed only minimal fire damage — a mystery that baffled experts, horrified neighbors, and sparked decades of debate about the chilling phenomenon known as spontaneous human combustion. Join us on this episode of Three Theories as we explore the eerie and unsettling mystery of spontaneous human combustion, examining three compelling theories. Could Mary Reeser’s death be explained by the Wick Effect — a slow, candle-like burn fueled by the body itself? Was it the result of an unusual internal chemical reaction? Or could it have been caused by paranormal forces beyond scientific understanding? What do you believe?
At Three Theories Podcast, we encourage you to explore beyond the podcast to form your own conclusions.
Click the links below to dive deeper into the mystery and discover additional information and new perspectives. Engage with the material, question everything, and join us on social media to continue the discussion and uncover the truth. Together, we can explore the stories that challenge our understanding and ignite our imagination.
References:
- NBC News: Irishman died of spontaneous human combustion, coroner claims
- ResearchGate: Solving the mystery of spontaneous human combustion
- com: Is spontaneous human combustion real?
- Smithsonian Magazine: Watch Out for All the Holiday Drinking—You Might Spontaneously Combust
- Wikipedia: Death of Mary Reeser
Disclaimer: This podcast episode contains dramatized and imagined elements for storytelling purposes. While we strive to provide accurate and factual information based on available evidence and research, certain perspectives and details have been fictionalized and AI voice technology is used to enhance the narrative and listener experience. Listener discretion is advised.