The Essex County Hospital Center, also known as Overbrook Asylum, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, was considered one of the state's most haunted locations before its demolition. The paranormal activity reported at the site was linked to its history of patient deaths, overcrowding, neglect, and controversial psychiatric treatments. Before the asylum was demolished in 2018, visitors and paranormal investigators described various haunting phenomena at the abandoned buildings and on the grounds: A large, dark, shadowy figure with a visible spine was reportedly seen moving through hallways and patient rooms. Many accounts described unexplained voices and whispers. One ghost hunting show allegedly recorded voices saying "get out" and "help me". Visitors reported strange noises, including unexplained footsteps. A current hospital employee also mentioned a heavy bathroom door slamming on its own. One urban explorer claimed a run-in with the ghosts of twin girls who reportedly said, "We live in a crazy house, we ain't crazy". Ghost hunters and urban explorers have described a lingering feeling of dread and unease. Some have speculated that the paranormal activity may continue even after demolition. A Google user reported in 2023 that hospital antiques from the old building were moved to the new one, suggesting "definitely ghosts in the old building". Some estimates claim that as many as 10,000 patients may have died at the facility over its century of operation. A significant number of deaths occurred in 1917, when a heating plant failure during a cold snap caused 24 patients to freeze to death. Overbrook was plagued by overcrowding and underfunding in the mid-20th century. It has been suggested that the neglect and suffering may have contributed to a high-energy haunting.