Manfred Strang

Manfred Strang is a reporter for the New York Globe-Telegraph and a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.

Strang was at Hightower's press conference on New Year's Eve of 1899. After questioning Hightower about the rumors concerning the cursed idol Shiriki Utundu, Hightower became angry and kicked Strang out of the press conference. Strang later snuck into the party at the hotel, disguised as a waiter. There, he shadowed Hightower's every move until Hightower entered the elevator to his penthouse suite. Fifteen minutes later, the hotel was hit by green lightning and Hightower could be heard screaming as the elevator plummeted to the ground. Later, Strang went to investigate along with Hightower's valet, Smelding. But Hightower was nowhere to be found, and only the idol and a fez were lying on the floor of the elevator. Despite Strang's investigations, he was unable to prove anything. His only conclusion was that the hotel had been cursed and had to be torn down.