The Fire Island Lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a distraught lighthouse keeper who suffered the tragic loss of his daughter, who died before he could reach her for medical help. He is said to haunt the lighthouse, often appearing at the top of the tower. Legends also suggest that his grief was so profound he died alone and heartbroken in his quarters near the lighthouse. The most prominent ghost story involves a mid-1800s lighthouse keeper named Nathaniel Smith. Smith's daughter fell ill, and he attempted to get help from the mainland for her. Despite his efforts, he was unable to reach her in time, and she died before he could get the necessary medical assistance. The keeper's anguish over the loss of his daughter is said to keep his spirit bound to the lighthouse. Some accounts say he can be seen and heard racing to the top of the tower, yelling for doctors to hurry. He is believed to have died alone and heartbroken in his quarters near the lighthouse, still experiencing the pain of his loss.