Monkeys cause massive fire at abandoned psychiatric hospital, Poughkeepsie New York
By Marco Tracker - Published June 4, 2026 1:40 PM EST
Poughkeepsie, New York has seen its fair share of controversy. From the Green Monster to the Underwater Skeleton, but no one was expecting two monkeys with a plan for arson. On the early morning on Tuesday, June 4th, a dangerous level of heat was felt throughout the city, my shoes melted on the sidewalk. Unrelated note, I found 5 dollars in my pocket.
A fire was noticed at the abandoned insane asylum. As firefighters arrived on scene, as well as spectators and independent news coverage, two monkeys were swinging away from the inferno. One holding lighter fluid, the other with matches. The puzzle pieces fit, but the question is: why? Unrelated note, I found 82 cents in my other pocket. What are the chances?
What happened to Jake and Mike from “The Monkey Business Podcast”?
By Felix Diepie - Published March 2, 2026 3:40 PM EST
Mike Lujan (left) and Jake Strauss (right) - circa 2021
“The Deer Man” behind the scene of the crash.
By Felix Diepie - Published August 2, 2026 1:10 AM EST
“The Hudson Valley Deer Man”, Real or Myth?
By Richard Nickson - Published April 15, 2026 1:10 AM EST
Jake Strauss (right) and Mike Lujan (right) - unknown date
During 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic, two best friends, Jake Strauss & Mike Lujan launched their first episode of their now infamous podcast “The Monkey Business Podcast”. Only one episode was released to the public. The reason why will haunt you.
The first episode is genuinely one of the best pieces of audio media I have ever heard. These two friends, with history and experience driven into their lives, go into the most unimaginable topic that has ever been thought. Only lasting 5 minutes, Jake and Mike go into a ranking system of famous monkeys.
Such honesty could never been spoken again, as they talk about monkeys like “Bubbles”, “Travis”, “Crystal” and even “Harambe”. Jake even makes a funny joke right off the bat - calling himself by a different name and Mike has to correct him. This is truthful and personal conversations that nobody in the podcast realm could ever match.
But their banter quickly comes to an immediate halt when they start hearing screaming from outside their Podcast Studio. A savage hoard of monkeys tear down their door and attack Jake and Mike. The episode ends with their screams of horror and desperation.
Jake Strauss and Mike Lujan did in fact survive the attack, but the question is: where are they now? And what are they up to?
For years I’ve been following the case of the infamous “Hudson Valley Deer Man”. I’ve talked to many locals about this legend, but is it true? Yes, and I have the evidence to prove it.
Other than following “The Deer Man”, I spend my time working at a towing company here in the Hudson Valley. We have to tow many cars, some crashed, some vacant. Over the past few months, I’ve been seeing him.
I go to tow this car, but there he is “The Hudson Valley Deer Man”, in the bushes. I had to take a picture and enhance but he is there standing by the light pole.
This was my first sighting of him, and I believe he’s been following me ever since. Am I scared? No. I’m excited and happy. I’ve heard so many stories and now I can finally meet him.
My next sighting was even stranger.
I got a late night call to tow an SUV out of a ditch. And wouldn’t you know, my new friend is there.
“The Deer Man” now in front of the crash.
My first thought, “did he cause this?” And if so, “why?” For me to come here? Who knows. But he stayed around and watched as we towed the car. Maybe he has a fascination with cars. Or maybe a fascination with me.
What ever it is, I will see you soon “Deer Man”.
Follow my instagram blog for more updates. @the.hudsonvalley.deerman.blog