Linda Godfrey

The OG Bray Road Beast Investigator

Along the misty backroads of rural Wisconsin, one woman transformed local whispers of a wolf-like beast into a national sensation—and in doing so, became a legend herself. Linda S. Godfrey (1951-2022), a small-town reporter turned paranormal icon, spent decades investigating eerie encounters, unearthing forgotten folklore, and challenging skeptics to reconsider the boundaries of reality. From her groundbreaking work on the Beast of Bray Road case to her role as a media-savvy mythbuster, Linda’s legacy reshaped how we confront the unknown.

This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Linda Godfrey’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.

What did Linda Godfrey do that was so influential?

Linda Godfrey brought the Beast of Bray Road into the national spotlight.
Linda Godfrey was a prolific author in cryptozoology and the paranormal.
Linda Godfrey promoted open-minded skepticism in the field.

1. Linda Godfrey brought the Beast of Bray Road into the national spotlight.

In December 1991, Godfrey’s editor at Walworth County Week assigned her to investigate rumors of a “wolfman” near Elkhorn. What she uncovered became a blueprint for modern monster hunting:

Spotting the Animal Control File: Linda discovered humane officer Jon Fredrickson’s “Werewolf” folder containing six credible reports of a 7-foot-tall, bipedal canine with glowing eyes.
Interviewing Key Witnesses: Linda interviewed local witnesses. Lori Endrizzi described finding the creature devouring roadkill on Bray Road in 1989, while Doris Gipson reported it attacking her car on Halloween 1991.
Navigating the Media Frenzy: Linda’s article sparked coverage from The National Enquirer, Inside Edition, and History Channel’s MonsterQuest, transforming Elkhorn into a paranormal tourism hotspot.

Linda’s 2003 book The Beast of Bray Road became the definitive account, linking sightings to Potawatomi legends of “shunka warak’in” (carrying-off dogs). Despite initial skepticism—The Chicago Tribune called it “a slow news season story”—her work endured, inspiring horror films, academic papers, and an annual “Beast Feast” in Elkhorn.

Linda appeared on many national television programs talking about modern day monster reports.

2. Linda Godfrey was a prolific author in cryptozoology and the paranormal.

As a prolific author, Linda penned several books on cryptids, including The Beast of Bray Road and Hunting the American Werewolf. These not only served to popularize the stories of cryptid sightings, but also provided a comprehensive overview of Godfrey’s research and findings. Through her engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Godfrey captured the imaginations of readers and enthusiasts alike, elevating the profile of cryptozoology and sparking curiosity about the mysteries of the natural world.

Linda authored 21 books that transformed the study of the unexplained from fringe hobby to an esteemed career. Her 2015 Wisconsin Researcher of the Year award recognized her meticulous approach. Unlike sensationalists, Linda dismissed hoaxes like the “Gable Film” while validating credible witnesses—a balance that earned praise from Smithsonian-affiliated folklorists.

3. Linda Godfrey promoted open-minded skepticism in the field.

Throughout her career, Linda advocated for critical thinking and open-minded skepticism in the study of cryptids. Despite her belief in the possibility of discovering new species and unknown creatures, Linda approached claims of cryptid encounters with a healthy dose of skepticism, encouraging researchers and enthusiasts to scrutinize evidence and challenge assumptions. Her emphasis on applying journalistic rigor and rational inquiry helped to foster a more credible and disciplined approach to cryptozoological research, promoting a culture of skepticism and inquiry within the field.

Colleagues, like Wisconsin paranormal researcher Chad Lewis, commended Linda’s dedication to field work including her willingness to camp in the freezing woods to verify accounts while dismissing obvious fabrications. Though overshadowed by flashier paranormal TV personalities, Linda’s influence persists. Bray Road Beast sightings continue to be reported, University of Wisconsin courses now include Linda’s work in folklore curricula, and female researchers, like myself, recognize her as a role model. Cryptozoologist Loren Coleman said of Linda Godfrey, “she became the one who asked all the right questions and listened to people”.