## Introduction In the haunting shadows of Thurmond, West Virginia, the echoes of the past linger heavily, whispering tales of loss and despair. Among the many stories that emerge from this ghost town, one stands out—a tragic narrative that encapsulates the pain and mystery surrounding the life and death of Robert Dow Bailey. As we delve into the chilling details of his demise, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the dark corners where hope often flickers and fades. ## The Ill-Fated Journey Robert Dow Bailey, a thirty-year-old electrician from Price Hill, left behind the familiar comforts of his home and the warmth of his wife, Flora, on an ordinary Saturday in April 1937. Armed with a mere $100, he set out for Thurmond, a place that would soon become synonymous with tragedy for him and his family. Little did Flora know, this was the last time she would see her beloved husband. As the days passed and the sun dipped below the horizon, despair enveloped Flora. The clocks ticked away the moments, transforming hope into dread. What began as an innocent outing soon morphed into a nightmare, echoing through the valleys of West Virginia. ## The Discovery On April 23, a local woman, while foraging for greens by the New River, stumbled upon a grim sight. It was Robert's lifeless body, found resting along the riverbank, a tragic testament to the mysteries that abound in Thurmond. The county coroner, E.R. Daniels, ruled the cause of death as drowning, but the circumstances surrounding his demise remained shrouded in uncertainty. Dr. G.W. Grafton, a local physician, noted a bruise on Robert's right side, yet he dismissed it as a cause of death. Meanwhile, the mortician, C.B. Collins, speculated that Robert had lain in the water for all six days he had been missing. What happened to him during those haunting days remains a question that continues to haunt the town. ## A Night of Choices Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of Robert’s final hours. Sam Pugh, owner of a local beer garden, recalled how a seemingly inebriated Robert entered his establishment around 9 PM, desperately seeking a drink. His request was met with refusal, a decision that would unknowingly seal his fate. Other patrons claimed Robert spoke of losing money in a poker game, suggesting that the weight of financial loss may have driven him to a precipice. Was it despair over gambling debts that led to his tragic end? As his body was found with only $16—far less than the $100 he had taken—speculation grew. Had he been robbed? Or was it possible that in his intoxicated state, he slipped into the river, a victim of unfortunate circumstance? ## The Shadows of Thurmond Thurmond is no stranger to tales of sorrow. The riverbanks have claimed many lives, with numerous individuals succumbing to despair, often attributed to the weight of gambling losses. The bridge where Robert was last seen has become a notorious site, steeped in grief and loss. It is where dreams were dashed and lives extinguished, a stark reminder of the darkness that can overshadow even the brightest of days. As we reflect on Robert's story, we are reminded of the many souls, particularly Italian immigrants, who met similar fates in this forsaken town. Their stories intertwine with Robert's, each a thread in the tapestry of Thurmond's tragic history. ## Conclusion The tale of Robert Dow Bailey is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the mysteries that linger in the shadows. His tragic death in the New River, surrounded by the echoes of lost dreams and unfulfilled hopes, serves as a chilling testament to the human experience—one marked by moments of joy and sorrow, clarity and confusion. In Thurmond, the past is never truly buried. It lingers in the air, a haunting presence that compels us to confront the realities of life, loss, and the choices we make. Robert Bailey's story, like so many others, is a sorrowful chapter in the annals of this ghost town—a reminder that even in death, the pain of our choices can resonate through time, leaving an indelible mark on the living.