EP 440 - Lauren McCluskey and Third Man Syndrome

Kerri dives into the tragic 2018 killing of University of Utah student-athlete Lauren McCluskey, who was murdered by a man she had briefly dated after he lied about his identity and criminal past. The episode examines the warning signs Lauren reported to campus police in the days before her death and the systemic failures that followed, which ultimately led to major reforms in campus safety policy. Donna explores the eerie phenomenon known as "the Third Man," where people in extreme situations—mountaineers, shipwreck survivors, and disaster victims—report sensing an unseen presence guiding or comforting them. From Shackleton's Antarctic expedition to 9/11 survivors, she unpacks the science and speculation behind this strange, recurring experience of feeling accompanied when utterly alone. If you have any local true crime, local urban legend/lore, ghost stories.. we want them all!! We want to hear from YOU. Especially if you have any funny Ambien stories! Email us at [email protected] Join The Creepinati @ www.patreon.com/theAPCpodcast Edited by Caden Baughman at Guestroom Studio https://www.gstrmstudio.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices