MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Episode: Do Not Enter
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, Ballen Studios delves into three chilling tales that explore the terrifying consequences of venturing into places where one should never tread. The episode, titled "Do Not Enter," features meticulously remastered audio from their main YouTube channel, presenting stories that are as haunting as they are enthralling.
Story 1: The Whale
Timestamp: [01:39]
The episode kicks off with the harrowing story titled "The Whale," which recounts the eerie experiences of Sergeant Kevin Bingham in Scottsdale, Arizona. On August 17, 2020, at 12:20 AM, Sergeant Bingham was patrolling a typical suburban neighborhood when he heard an inexplicable, echoing screeching sound. Described initially as resembling a woman's scream that morphed into a cat-like screech, the noise compelled him to investigate despite the absence of any natural sources like caves nearby.
As Sergeant Bingham approached a large health club and its adjacent outdoor pool area enclosed by a towering 12-foot brick fence, the screeching intensified. [03:25] When he interacted with the gym cleaners, they confirmed hearing the same unnerving sounds, which soon transformed into a desperate cry for help. Responding swiftly, Sergeant Bingham and a fellow officer entered the pool area, only to find the pools empty and silent, deepening the mystery.
The investigation led them to a third pool with water slides, where the officers encountered an inexplicable phenomenon: their coordinated movements up and down the red slide resulted in both officers standing face-to-face in the middle with no one else present. The persistent screeches appeared to emanate from within the slide, yet no individual could be located.
Ultimately, it was revealed that Ryan Kelly, a methamphetamine user, had accidentally become trapped in a narrow, heat-conductive pipe inside the slide system. Struggling to escape and unable to call for coherent help, Ryan's situation deteriorated rapidly due to dehydration and extreme heat. Despite extensive rescue efforts, including the dismantling of the slide infrastructure, Ryan succumbed to the harsh conditions.
Notable Quote:
Sergeant Bingham [03:50]: "The screeching sound really doesn't sound like an animal. It sounds like a person."
Story 2: Horsehead
Timestamp: [17:36]
The second narrative, "Horsehead," tells the tragic tale of Jacob Cockle, an adrenaline junkie and accomplished photographer from Penzance, UK. Jacob's passion for extreme water sports and photography was fueled by the untimely death of his sister Grace, whose demise led him to embrace a risk-taking lifestyle in her memory.
By his late twenties, Jacob had garnered acclaim for his daring underwater photography, capturing the most violent and turbulent forms of the sea. His pursuit of the perfect shot led him back to his hometown's harbor, known for its dangerous whirlpools formed by coastal engineering meant to prevent silting.
On May 28, 2013, Jacob, wearing a rubber horsehead mask to enhance his YouTube appeal, ventured into the most potent whirlpool ever recorded at his local quay wall. Ignoring safety warnings, he dove into the whirlpool, pushing his wetsuit's limits. As he attempted to film the vortex from below, Jacob became trapped in the twisting pipe system beneath the water. The combination of high adrenaline, meth use, and the oppressive environment led to his eventual drowning despite desperate rescue attempts.
Notable Quote:
Jacob Cockle [19:53]: "By his early 20s, he had won major awards with National Geographic and the Sunday Times."
Story 3: The Fixer Upper
Timestamp: [25:07]
The final story, "The Fixer Upper," narrates the eerie events surrounding Marguerite Welty, a real estate agent in Lake Placid, Florida. On May 28, 1986, Marguerite showed a dilapidated vacation home to potential buyers Lois and Richard Goodman. The house, marred by neglect and an unsettling atmosphere—complete with covered furniture and heavy security measures—did not impress the clients, who eventually dismissed it as a haunted or poorly maintained property.
Two days later, Marguerite returned with another couple to reassess the property. Upon entering, the owner was confronted with a foul odor and discovered the grim reality of Thomas Lopez Ruiz's demise. Thomas, a struggling individual living near Lake Placid, had attempted to burglarize the same vacation home by entering through the chimney. Due to the chimney's tapered design, he became lodged halfway, unable to ascend or descend, leading to his slow death from dehydration and exposure.
During the initial house tour, Thomas's presence had gone unnoticed, and it is possible that he attempted to flee during the Goodmans' visit but perished before help could arrive. The Green's discovery of Thomas's remains only confirmed the house's haunted reputation, solidifying the tragic narrative of a man trapped in a house that was never meant to confine him.
Notable Quote:
Mr. Ballin [29:32]: "But as I'm sure you all have guessed, of course those legs were not mannequin legs. Those were Thomas's legs."
Conclusion
The "Do Not Enter" episode of the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories masterfully intertwines tales of curiosity, desperation, and the dire consequences of trespassing into forbidden places. Through Sergeant Bingham's unearthly encounter, Jacob Cockle's relentless pursuit of thrill, and the haunting end of Thomas Ruiz, the episode underscores the thin line between adventure and tragedy. Each story serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseen dangers that await those who dare to explore beyond the veil of the ordinary.
For listeners intrigued by these spine-chilling stories, Ballen Studios offers a plethora of similar content across their various podcasts, ensuring that the fascination with the strange, dark, and mysterious continues.
Note: The stories presented are based on true events, with some details fictionalized for dramatic effect and the use of pseudonyms to protect the individuals involved.