(The Epoch Times)—A funeral home offering “green” burials in southern Colorado is under investigation after more than 115 decaying bodies were found improperly stored at the facility, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department said Friday.
Residents contacted local authorities about foul odors coming from a building owned by Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, which prompted the investigation. Local resident Joyce Pavetti, 73, said she caught whiffs of a putrid smell over the last few weeks.
“We just assumed it was a dead animal,” she said.
When officials entered the 2,500-square-foot building, they found bodies improperly stored but declined to describe what it was like inside the facility.
Fremont County coroner Randy Keller said the facility is now a “hazardous scene,” KKTV reported. Mr. Keller also said that authorities were in the process of removing the bodies from the facility.
“This is going to be a very, very lengthy process,” Mr. Keller said. “The loved ones at this facility will be treated with the utmost care and respect.”
The funeral home performed burials without embalming chemicals or metal caskets, using biodegradable caskets, shrouds, or “nothing at all,” according to its website. The company charged $1,895 for a “natural burial,” not counting a casket or cemetery space, and until July offered cremations, too.
Funeral home officials were cooperating as investigators sought to determine any criminal wrongdoing, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said at a news conference. No one has been arrested or charged yet.
“Without providing too much detail to avoid further victimizing these families there, the funeral home where the bodies were improperly stored was horrific,” the sheriff said.
Identification Efforts May Take Months
Some identifications would require taking fingerprints, finding medical or dental records and DNA, Mr. Keller said.
“This could take several months. As we identify each decedent, families will be notified as soon as absolutely possible,” he said.
The owner is accused of trying to conceal the improper storage of corpses, claiming he was doing taxidermy at the facility, according to a suspension letter sent to him by Colorado state regulators. The facility had been unregistered for about 10 months after the owner “let it expire” in November.
A disaster declaration has been made by the governor, and local officials have declared an emergency. The FBI is supporting the investigation.
Under Colorado law, green burials are legal, but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated.
Additional Information
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is asking that family members of decedents who utilized the Return to Nature Funeral Home to send email to [email protected].
“Please leave the best contact number and time to call in this email. We will respond to each email. If you do not use email, then you can contact the Fremont Emergency Management call line at (719)-276-7421. We will have victims’ assistance personnel responding to messages beginning October 6, 2023, between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. We will also have victim assistance personnel available at 1901 East Main, Canon City CO, between 10 am and 6 pm,” the news release stated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.