The discovery of human remains stored improperly at a southern Colorado funeral home has triggered a multi-agency investigation and raised serious concerns about the funeral home’s practices. The Return to Nature Funeral Home, which specializes in “green” burials that do not use embalming chemicals or metal caskets, has been accused of failing to properly refrigerate human remains, violating Colorado law. The incident came to light on Tuesday night when deputies were called to the scene in response to a suspicious incident. Upon investigation, authorities found the remains stored in a single-story building on the property, without proper refrigeration.
The exact number of remains found and their condition have not been released, but law officials have confirmed that the bodies were not properly stored according to state regulations. Colorado law requires that anybody not buried within 24 hours be properly refrigerated to prevent decomposition. The improper storage of human remains has sparked an investigation by local, state, and federal officials, who are seeking to determine how and why the remains were stored in such a manner.
Neighbors have reported a putrid odor coming from the funeral home, which had been noticeable for several weeks before the incident. One neighbor, Joyce Pavetti, initially thought the smell was due to a dead animal, while another neighbor, Ron Alexander, believed it was coming from a septic tank. However, it was later revealed that the smell was actually due to the improper storage of human remains.
Human Remains Found in Colorado Funeral Home
The Return to Nature Funeral Home, which has been embroiled in controversy, has been offering burial services for non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or “nothing at all.” The company also offers cremation services. Despite the controversy surrounding the funeral home, messages left for the company were not immediately returned. The investigation into the improper storage of human remains is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The discovery of human remains stored improperly at a funeral home raises serious concerns about the sanctity of human life and the importance of proper burial practices. The incident also highlights the need for strict regulations and oversight of funeral homes to ensure that they are operating in a manner that is respectful and dignified. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what other information will be uncovered and what action will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and dignity of deceased individuals and the importance of proper burial practices. It is essential that funeral homes are held to high standards and that authorities take immediate action to rectify any improper practices.
