Over 115 decomposing bodies discovered at eco-friendly funeral home in Colorado.
A Shocking Discovery: Over 115 Decaying Bodies Found at Colorado Funeral Home
A funeral home in southern Colorado is currently under investigation after more than 115 decomposing bodies were discovered improperly stored at the facility, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation was prompted by reports from concerned residents who noticed foul odors emanating from the building owned by Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.
One local resident, 73-year-old Joyce Pavetti, described catching whiffs of a putrid smell over the past few weeks.
Related Stories
-
Remains Found of Colorado Woman Suzanne Morphew, Who Went Missing on Mother’s Day 2020
9/28/2023 -
Colorado Officer Rescues Person Right Before Car Is Fully Engulfed in Flames
9/7/2023
“We just assumed it was a dead animal,” said Joyce Pavetti, referring to the putrid smell.
Upon entering the 2,500-square-foot building, officials discovered bodies stored in an improper manner, but they refrained from providing further details about the scene.
The Fremont County coroner, Randy Keller, described the facility as a “hazardous scene,” and authorities are currently in the process of removing the bodies from the premises.
“This will be a lengthy process,” Keller stated. “We will handle the loved ones at this facility with the utmost care and respect.”
The funeral home, known for its environmentally friendly approach, conducted burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets. Instead, they utilized biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or even no burial materials at all, as stated on their website. The cost for a “natural burial” was $1,895, excluding the casket and cemetery space. The funeral home also offered cremations until July.
Funeral home officials are cooperating with investigators as they seek to determine if any criminal wrongdoing occurred, according to Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper.
“Without providing too many details to avoid further victimizing these families, I can say that the conditions inside the funeral home were horrific,” Sheriff Cooper revealed.
Identification Efforts May Take Months
Identifying the bodies will require various methods, such as fingerprinting, locating medical or dental records, and DNA testing, explained Mr. Keller.
“This process could take several months. As we identify each deceased individual, we will notify their families as soon as possible,” he assured.
The owner of the funeral home is accused of attempting to conceal the improper storage of corpses by claiming to engage in taxidermy activities at the facility, as stated in a suspension letter issued by Colorado state regulators.
The facility had been unregistered for approximately 10 months after the owner allowed its registration to expire in November.
Due to the severity of the situation, a disaster declaration has been made by the governor, and local officials have declared an emergency. The FBI is providing support for the ongoing investigation.
While green burials are legal in Colorado, state code mandates that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated.
Additional Information
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that family members of the deceased who utilized the services of Return to Nature Funeral Home contact them via email at [email protected].
“Please provide your best contact number and preferred time to call in the email. We will respond to each email. If you do not have access to email, you can contact the Fremont Emergency Management call line at (719)-276-7421. Victim assistance personnel will be available to respond to messages starting from October 6, 2023, between 8 am and 6 pm. Additionally, victim assistance personnel will be present at 1901 East Main, Canon City CO, between 10 am and 6 pm,” stated the official news release.
How can dental records assist in accurately identifying the deceased individuals from the funeral home?
DNA analysis, dental records, and medical records. With over 115 bodies to identify, this process may take several months to complete. The families of the deceased are being notified and are urged to provide any identifying information that may assist in the identification process.
The discovery has left the community shocked and grieving, as many families entrusted their loved ones to the care of Return to Nature Funeral Home. The funeral home had been operating in the area for over 20 years and was known for its alternative approach to burials.
Local authorities are working closely with state regulatory agencies to determine how such a significant lapse in proper handling and storage of human remains occurred. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies oversees funeral homes and is responsible for ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. This incident will undoubtedly prompt a thorough review of the funeral home’s practices and procedures.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department has asked anyone with information regarding the investigation to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have had family members or loved ones laid to rest at Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the deceased are left to cope with the shock and devastation of knowing that their loved ones were not properly cared for after death. The community has rallied around these families, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.
The impact of this discovery is not limited to the families directly affected but extends to the broader community as well. Trust in funeral homes and the funeral industry as a whole may be diminished, as people question the safety and integrity of these establishments. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper regulation and oversight in the handling of human remains.
Ultimately, the investigation into the improper storage of over 115 decomposing bodies at the Return to Nature Funeral Home will shed light on what went wrong and who may be responsible. The families deserve answers, and the community demands accountability for such a shocking breach of trust. As the investigation progresses, steps must be taken to ensure that this type of tragedy never occurs again.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Now loading...