The world’s most terrifying haunted house, if you could even call it that… is back.
If you’re unfamiliar with McKamey Manor, it’s a world famous “haunted house” that isn’t so much a haunted house as it is a test of human willpower… that nobody has ever completed. Dubbed a legitimate “torture chamber,” it was the subject of a Hulu documentary titled, Monster Inside: America’s Most Extreme Haunted House, that aimed to get it shut down.
But despite constant attempts to get it shut down, Navy vet Russ McKamey, the owner of the attraction, says it isn’t going anywhere. Located in in Summertown, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama, McKamey Manor is unlike any scare experience you’ve ever seen. The 2023 documentary follows a few stories from people who visited, and is described by Hulu as:
“Russ McKamey is the creator of the world’s “most extreme haunted house” – McKamey Manor. He is also a manipulative abuser, according to three people who realize the horror is never over once you decide to enter the Manor.”
Here’s a quick look at the trailer:
Yeah, that’s gonna be a no from me, dawg…
Some claim they were scarred for life by the experience, and like I said earlier, TONS of people have tried to get it shut down and have Russ thrown in jail. Participants have alleged that they left with broken bones, bruises, were waterboarded and that founder Russ McKamey and company don’t adhere to the proposed safe word in a timely fashion. However, others have tried to complete the challenge more than once. And since Russ films the entire encounter, there is tons of footage available detailing what you can expect.
All that to say, there is still a long line of people who desperately want to try it, and there’s an extensive interview process involved to make sure only the most dedicated, mentally and physically strong people are even allowed to try. Plus, you have weed out the people just trying to shut it down. It’s garnered quite the cult following over the years. Here’s a quick look at the requirements to participate:
– they make you sign a 40, FORTY, page waiver.
– you must be 21 and above, or 18-20 with parents approval.
– you must get a “Sports Physical” and doctor’s letter stating you are physically and mentally cleared.
– pass a background check.
– pass a screening via Facebook face time or phone.
– have proof of medical insurance.
– and finally pass a portable drug test on the day of the “tour.”
It’s unclear in what capacity the haunt still exists, or how it differs from years past, but according to The Daily Mail, Russ and McKamey Manor are still up and running this Halloween Season. He said:
“If all of those crazy horrible things said about me are true, I wouldn’t be free, running around doing what I want to do.”
And this comes on the heels of a number of legal issues both personally and professionally.
A few months ago, Russ McKamey was charged with attempted second-degree murder, rape and domestic assault for allegedly attempting to kill his girlfriend on multiple occasions. According to the arrest affidavit, McKamey allegedly strangled his girlfriend to the point that she lost consciousness. And on the day of the arrest, he reportedly raped and strangled her once again before being taken into custody.
However, all of the charges were dropped last month. McKamey’s attorney provided the following statement to The Tennessean:
“After District Attorney General Brent Cooper personally reviewed the evidence we collected over the past two months and spoke with Mr. McKamey’s accuser, who was present in person this morning, he decided to voluntarily and unconditionally dismiss all four charges against Mr. McKamey because the allegations had no merit whatsoever.
General Cooper’s diligence and professionalism in his decision is commendable. I previously said the truth would come out. General Cooper’s unqualified decision should tell you everything you need to know.”
Police have been called to McKamey Manor on a number of occasions, and Russ has also been investigated by the Tennessee Attorney General, Jonathan Skrmetti. He ultimately filed a lawsuit against Skrmetti and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and State Fire Marshal Commissioner Carter Lawrence. That case was eventually dismissed. He filed a lawsuit against Hulu as well, which has also been dismissed.
And now, Russ says he’s ready for another year…
Here’s the original trailer that put McKamey Manor on the map.
And this video from back in 2015 takes you behind the scenes with owner/creator Russ McKamey.
