Title: Shocking Revelation: Over 115 Decomposing Bodies Discovered at Colorado Funeral Home
In a disturbing turn of events, a funeral home in rural Colorado that had pledged green burials has come under scrutiny following the detection of a putrid odor, leading investigators to the horrifying discovery of at least 115 decaying bodies. The distressing scene unfolded at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, situated approximately 105 miles south of Denver.
The Fremont County coroner, Randy Keller, anticipates that it could take months to ascertain the identities of the deceased individuals. The process will involve utilizing fingerprints, dental records, or DNA testing. To aid in the investigation, state and federal agencies, including the F.B.I., have joined forces. Additionally, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado has issued a verbal disaster declaration for Fremont County, ensuring that extra resources are dedicated to this harrowing case.
According to a letter from state regulators suspending the funeral home’s license, owner Jon Hallford admitted to having a problem at the facility during a conversation with a funeral home regulator. Furthermore, he apparently claimed to practice taxidermy at the premises. The letter, dated Thursday, additionally accuses Mr. Hallford of attempting to conceal the improper storage of human remains at the site.
Efforts to reach Jon Hallford for comment were unsuccessful as his contact numbers were unresponsive, and the funeral home’s voicemail was full.
Sheriff Allen Cooper of Fremont County disclosed that no arrests or charges have been made thus far, while acknowledging the cooperation of the funeral home owner, whose name was not disclosed. The funeral home’s license was originally granted in 2017, as per state records.
The alarm was raised by the sheriff’s office earlier this week when they received reports of an unpleasant odor emanating from the funeral home. As a result, a search warrant was executed on Wednesday, leading to the shocking discovery. Fremont County coroner Randy Keller expressed his commitment to treating the loved ones housed at the facility with the utmost care and respect. In response, officials have established a family crisis center and a dedicated helpline for families seeking information, as the painstaking process of removing and identifying the bodies commences.
Sheriff Cooper, while refraining from sharing detailed descriptions of the scene to protect the affected families, described it as very disturbing and horrific. At a press conference, he emphasized that the primary focus remains on providing answers to the impacted families promptly. A team of investigators, including crime scene specialists and victim advocates, are tirelessly working on the case.
The Return to Nature Funeral Home was part of a growing trend in offering eco-friendly burials as an alternative to traditional funeral practices involving embalming fluids and elaborate coffins. Colorado recently became the second state to legalize human composting, following in the footsteps of Washington State, allowing bodies to be transformed into soil.
The funeral home, according to its website, promoted burials without chemicals or concrete vaults, offering options such as biodegradable caskets, baskets, shrouds, or even no containment at all. Its motto emphasized the return to nature, simplifying the burial process while embracing environmental consciousness.
Joyce Pavetti, a resident near the funeral home, revealed how her husband had been noticing a foul stench for the past couple of weeks while working outdoors. Assuming it was the putrefaction of a dead animal, they thought nothing more of it. Over the years, Ms. Pavetti observed minimal activity at the funeral home, prompting assumptions of abandonment.
The shocking revelation of over 115 decomposing bodies at the Return to Nature Funeral Home has sent shockwaves through the community. As investigations continue, families impacted by this tragedy are anxiously awaiting answers. The focus remains on delivering justice and support for those affected, as authorities work towards resolving this disturbing incident.
Kirsten Noyes contributed to the research for this article.
