Dr. Hans Holzer Passes Away at 89
Dr. Hans Holzer
Mr. Holzer was know as the "Original" Ghost Hunter. His research helped to open the minds
of countless individuals around the world to the real world of ghosts and the paranormal,
while investigating thousands of cases of hautings and ghosts.
Dr. Hans Holzer, one of the foremost authorities on the paranormal, ghost hunting, and well known author of over 140 books on various subjects ranging from ghosts, other life forms, the afterlife, and much more, passed away on April 26, 2009, at age 89. Born January 26, 1920 in Vienna, Austria, the revered Dr. Holzer will be remembered as the "Original Ghost Hunter” in the widely regarded field of the paranormal, and one of the great minds that inspired future generations of ghost hunters.
During his lifetime Hans investigated thousands of haunted locations, including the infamous “Amityville Horror” house (with medium Ethel Johnson Meyers) in Long Island, New York, which was also the subject of numerous movies and books on the subject, including “The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson.
Dr. Holzer wrote the book, “Murder in Amityville,” which chronicled the events that took place in the home on Ocean Avenue, which subsequently led up to the murders of the Defeo family in 1974. The book helped to shed light on the history of the house, spirits, and the land, while also serving as a catalyst and inspiration for the film,
“Amityville II: The Curse.”
Later Dr. Holzer followed up with two more books on the subject:
“The Amityville Curse,” and “The Secret of Amityville.”
While Dr. Holzer worked with the notable medium Ethel Johnson Meyers on the Amityville case, he also had the opportunity to work with "Brittan’s Most Famous Witch" and world renowned psychic, Sybil Leek and also Marisa Anderson. His work took him all over the world investigating cases of spiritual life on "The Other Side," a term he helped coin. Dr. Holzer also coined another well known term, "Ghost hunter."
Dr. Holzer first became enamored with the supernatural at an early age while listening to stories told so eloquently by his uncle. In 1938, 18 year old Holzer moved to New York in order to avoid the threat of an impending World War and Nazi Germany. He went on to study ancient history and archeology (just to name a few) and later earned a Ph.D.
His education and knowledge in parapsychology paved the way for him as a paranormal investigator, or "Scientific Investigator" as he preferred to be known as, and not a researcher of the supernatural because it implied that which was beyond scientific grasp.
Dr. Holzer used his skills as a scientist while employing the skills of gifted mediums for contacting and communicating with the ethereal world. He also held a conviction in the popular theory of past lives or reincarnation.
Dr. Hans Holzer will be remembered for many reasons, but primarily for his expertise and contributions in the studies of the paranormal. His books, films, lectures, documentaries, TV
(In Search Of, Ghost Hunters, to name a few) and radio appearances will continue to inspire untold generations of future investigators and paranormal enthusiasts, just as they have inspired for at last six decades.
Hans is survived by five grandchildren, two daughters, one being the notable paranormalist, author, and sensitive, Alexandra Holzer, who continues to follow in her father's footsteps and also wrote the book:
"Growing Up Haunted: A Ghostly Memoir."
On A Personal Note
When recalling the positive impact this man has had on my own life as a paranormal researcher and enthusiast, I can only say with great reverence he has been a constant source of inspiration to me and will continue to be so. And wherever his new etheric body has taken him, I am sure he has a multitude of fans, or "friends" as he called them, welcoming him home with open arms to “The Other Side.”
I would like to recall Dr. Holzer with respect and wish him a blessed and exciting journey in the world beyond.
In Memory
Copyright ©Sylvia Zimmer 2009
Related Videos
Some Notable Books by Hans Holzer
Ghost Hunter (1963)
Ghosts I’ve Met (1965)
Murder In Amityville (1979)
In the Terrifying Tradition of the Amityville Horror: Houses of Horror (1983)
Where the Ghosts Are: The Ultimate Guide to Haunted Houses (1984)
A Ghostly Register of the World’s Most Frightening Haunted Houses (1992)
Love Beyond the Grave (1992)
Life Beyond: Compelling Evidence for Past Lives and Existence After Death (1994)
Ghosts: True Encounters with the World Beyond (1997)
Hans Holzer’s Travel Guide to Haunted Houses (1998)
More Where The Ghosts Are: The Ultimate Guide to Haunted Houses (2001)
Hans Holzer’s The Supernatural: Explaining The Unexplained (2003)
Hypnosis: Controlling the Inner You (2007)
These are just a few inspiring books by Dr. Holzer, there are many many more not mentioned here.
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Sources
Various
The New York Times
Telegraph.co.uk
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