A man working at a funeral home in Dallas, TX, was crushed to death when a burial vault fell on him.

According to KXAS and several other news sources, the man was pinned from the waist down by the vault while working at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. Emergency workers frantically tried to free him, using an apparatus called the “jaws of life,” usually used to pry open vehicles to rescue people trapped in traffic accidents.

The man, who was not identified, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Burial vaults, typically made of concrete, can weigh around 2,000 pounds. It is unclear how the vault fell on the man.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified and is expected to investigate the incident.

Restland, a 100-year-old business, operates one the largest funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories in the Southwest and Texas, according to the funeral home’s website.

Alkaline hydrolysis, legal in more than half of the United States, is slowly making its way to continental Europe.

A crematory in Antwerp, Belgium, has begun trials of the process, often called water cremation or aquamation, becoming the first country on the European mainland to take step toward legalization, according to an article in Belga, an online publication about life in Belgium.

Tom Wustenberghs, the general director of Pontes crematory in Antwerp, told Belga that there is “limited scientific data on this technique” and rigorous testing was needed before alkaline hydrolysis could be approved for use as a method of disposition.

“We want to thoroughly study its environmental impact and ensure a solid technical, legal and ethical framework before it can be offered in practice,” Wustenberghs said.

Alkaline hydrolysis causes the rapid decomposition of human remains by placing a body into a pressurized chamber and flooding it with a heated alkaline solution. Leftover liquid is then drained, and any remaining bone is pulverized.

While Belgium is the first country in continental Europe to start testing, the process is already legal in Ireland, and the United Kingdom is considering its legalization as well. The process in Belgium, however, is just beginning, and it may take two to three years of testing before water cremation becomes legal.

“If aquamation proves to be truly sustainable, many may want to choose it,” Flemish Interior Minister Hilde Crevits told Belga. “But that must first be confirmed through research.”

In the United States, Pennsylvania became one of the most recent states to take steps to legalize the process, with the state House of Representatives passing a bill on October 1, 2025 approving the use of water cremation.

A woman living in a crematory in India has helped to cremate 4,000 decedents. A fear of cremation is complicating funerals in Jamaica as the island country runs out of burial spaces. And the death of a former Kenyan prime minister shines a light on Luo burial customs. These stories and more are in the week in funeral news.

NEWS

Woman Living in Crematorium Has Cremated more than 4,000 Bodies in a Decade
By ETV
Living amidst the dead is surely not for the faint-hearted but Sudharani, living in Karnataka, India, has been doing it for almost a decade. Not only is she living on the premises of a crematorium, but she has been cremating the dead all these years. In a society where cremating dead bodies is seen as a noble and pious act, she surely has accumulated a lot of nobility and piety through her work. To be precise, she has cremated more than 4,000 dead bodies at the crematorium. These include the bodies of orphans and the elderly abandoned by their families in old age homes. Read more here.

New Muslim Cemetery Plans in Great Britain Recommended for Refusal
By Shariqua Ahmed (BBC News)
Plans for an 8,500-space burial site for Muslims and other faiths on farmland in Great Britain have been recommended for refusal due to excessive size, location and potential to erode nearby villages’ identities. The Green Meadows charity proposed the use of a site in Sutton, west of Peterborough, which will include a prayer hall, landscaped grounds, and facilities for ablution and reflection. Supporters, including local imams and the National Burial Council, said it would solve the problem of a critical shortage of burial space which meets specific religious requirements. Read more here.

Texas County District Attorney Drops Corpse Abuse Charges Against Mortuary Owner, Medical Facility CEO
By Stephanie Becerra (CBS Austin)
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed charges against Dr. Aaron Ali and Adeline Bui related to the abuse of a human corpse without legal authority and aggravated perjury. However, Bui still faces five charges of tampering with government records. Read more here.

Man Has Heart Attack after Funeral Home Presents Wrong Body at Service
By WKRC
The family of Joey Espinosa, who passed away from heart failure at the age of 44, faced an unexpected ordeal at his funeral service. Upon arriving at Forest Lawn in West Covina, CA, the family discovered that the body in the casket was not Espinosa’s. Read more here.

Luo Funeral Customs Has a Unique Way of Showing the Last Respects to Their Departed Loved Ones
By Citizen TV Kenya
Despite the fact that it is a state funeral, former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final journey has been characterized by cultural practices associated with Luo funeral ceremonies. From the breaking of the news of death, to identifying the burial site, wailing to mourn the dead, to cleaning the homestead after burial, the Luo community has a unique way of showing the last respects to their departed loved ones. View video here.

Funeral Home Was Set to Embalm a “Dead” Woman Who Was Still Breathing. Here’s What Her Mom Now Says
By Nicole Acosta (People)
The mother of a 20-year-old woman who was mistakenly declared dead and nearly embalmed while she was still alive is speaking out for the first time, five years after the incident. Read more here.

Fear of Cremation Pervasive Even as Cemeteries in Jamaica Run out of Space
By Radio Jamaica News
With Jamaica currently facing a burial crisis and several cemeteries completely out of space, cremation has been proposed as a possible solution to ease the situation. However, many Jamaicans remain opposed to the idea, with biblical beliefs often cited as the main reason for their resistance. Read more here.

Mortuary and Its Owner “Permanently Relinquish” Funeral License after Bodies Were Found Hidden Behind Door
By Abby Smith (KRDO)
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies announced that Davis Mortuary has permanently relinquished its funeral license. On October17, 2025, Davis Mortuary and Davis Crematory, through Brian Cotter, permanently relinquished their registrations to operate as a funeral home establishment and crematory in Colorado, DORA stated. Authorities found two dozen bodies hidden behind a door in the facility in August 2025. As part of the relinquishment, Cotter agreed not to apply for registration or licensure of any kind with the Colorado Office of Funeral and Mortuary Science Services at any time in the future, according to DORA. Read more here.

Family’s Burial Halted after Another Casket Found in Grave at Louisiana Cemetery
By Johnette Magner (KTBS)
A Shreveport, LA, family’s grief turned to shock and anger today when a burial at Carver Memorial Cemetery was abruptly halted after relatives discovered another casket already inside the grave prepared for their loved one. The family of Frank Ruffin Sr., a beloved pastor and musician, gathered at the cemetery expecting to lay him to rest. Instead, they were met with a disturbing sight: a damaged casket visible inside the open grave. Read more here.

The information contained in this column is a report of the actions taken by the board members who were present during the open public session portion of the meeting only. It is not a transcript of the official board minutes or an official record of attendance. It does not address board member attendance or actions taken during the executive session that typically follows the open session and is closed to the public.

October 16, 2025

Members Present

Paul Desbiens, Chair; Debbie Santangelo, Vice Chair; Linda McGloin; Jeffrey Kasko; Rabbi Jay Kornsgold; Anthony Menafro.

Staff Present

Quin Archer, Executive Director; Wendy Faulk, Deputy Attorney General, Nicole Parelli, Regulatory Analyst.

Public

George R. Kelder Jr., CFSP, Samantha L. Link and Jonathan R. Bender, New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, and 15 other members of the public were present.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

The Board approved the minutes of the August 21, 2025 meeting with a technical amendment to the FYI section.

Total number of complaints received in August/September: 11

Total number of complaints received in 2025: 47

The Board is not scheduled to meet in November; however, Executive Director Quin Archer requested that members consider meeting on November 13, 2025 due to recent extensive agendas. The Board voted to schedule an additional meeting for November 13.

Old Business

St. Stephens Episcopal Cemetery (CA#228) requested to have its name changed to St. Stephens Cemetery or St. Stephens Cemetery and Mausoleum on its Certificate of Authority. They are an all-faith cemetery and wish to amend the previously registered name as they believe it will help their business. The Board voted to permit the name change to “St. Stephens Cemetery and Mausoleum” and to maintain the cemetery’s Certificate of Authority as CA#228. They will also be advised to retitle the M&P fund to reflect the approved name change.

Mercer Cemetery at Trenton (CA#266) wants to form a separate nonprofit entitled, “Friends of Mercer Cemetery” to raise money for the cemetery. In compliance with the law, the Board rejected the use of the word “cemetery” in the title of the nonprofit entity and advised them to develop a new name that does not include the word cemetery.

Assembly bill 4085 was enacted on September 11, 2025. Regulatory Analyst Nicole Parelli advised the Board that its responsibility in the bill is to develop and maintain a list of cemeteries willing to accept the product of natural organic reduction. Executive Director Archer requested that the Board put together a committee to discuss possible regulations surrounding the bill.

All six bulk sales were moved to Executive Session.

• Mount Prospect Cemetery Company (CA#128) to Al-Amin Jame Masjid and Islamic Center, Inc. (250 plots)
• Mount Prospect Cemetery Company (CA#128) to Mymensingh Abroad USA, Inc. (50 plots)
• Mount Prospect Cemetery Company (CA#128) to Sandwip Society USA, Inc. (304 plots)
• Mount Prospect Cemetery Company (CA#128) to Sandwip Society USA, Inc. (500 plots)
• Restland Memorial Park t/d/b/a Eternal Sunset Memorial Park and Cemetery (CA#117) to Albanian American Cultural Center (295 plots)
• Restland Memorial Park t/d/b/a Eternal Sunset Memorial Park and Cemetery (CA#117) to National Islamic Association Inc (57 plots)
  

New Business

• Laurel Grove Cemetery Company (CA#030) wishes to transfer M&P trust funds to another cemetery under its corporate ownership due to a bulk sale organization desiring to purchase in a different cemetery. DAG Wendy Faulk advised that given Laurel Grove Cemetery and Eternal Sunset Cemetery have two separate Certificates of Authority and two separate M&P funds the Board could not approve the transfer. Chairman Desbiens  suggested that both cemeteries consider handling this as a repurchase of graves by Laurel Grove and a new bulk purchase in Eternal Sunset and to provide the Board with a different more acceptable solution than simply transferring M&P funds.
• Fair View Cemetery (CA#075) applied for a municipal site plan approval to construct a new entrance and expand the cemetery on wooded land currently within the cemetery’s boundaries. With the Board having involved itself in the initial zoning process, Fair View has requested a letter of approval or a letter of no interest from the Board so that Middletown Township can issue final permits. The Board voted to send a letter of the Board’s affirmative support of the development of the cemetery property.
• Old Tennent Church Cemetery (CA#201) requests to change its name to Old Tennent Cemetery. The Board voted to approve the request. The Board voted to permit the name change to “Old Tennent Cemetery,” and to maintain the cemetery’s Certificate of Authority as CA#201. They will also be advised to re-title the M&P fund to reflect the approved name change.
• Senate Bill 4497 would set standards and penalties for use or publication of expunged records. Regulatory Analyst Parelli requested the Board’s position on the bill. After discussion of the matter, the Board voted to remain neutral on the bill.
• Bulk Sale: Greenwood Cemetery Association (CA#028) requesting an addendum to contract the bulk sale to Brooklyn on Fun Association USA, Inc. (500 plots). This item was moved to Executive Session.

Public Comment

Larry Dworkin asked if it is incumbent upon the Board to ensure that Beth Israel Cemetery has the proper funds and personnel to maintain the graves for which they sold perpetual care maintenance. The Board indicated that they were in receipt of the correspondence from Mr. Dworkin and would respond when the investigation was complete.

Michael Baratta from Mount Prospect Cemetery asked why bulk sales are being moved to Executive Session and delayed, in many instances for more than two years. Chairman Desbiens stated they were moved to Executive Session for advice of counsel.

Harvy Billinger also inquired about bulk sales being moved to Executive Session and asked if the Board will return with the outcome of any decisions made today. Chairman Desbiens advised that they would not be returning to public session today and would advise them of any decisions via a letter.

Mike Elliott, counsel for Park Lawn, stated that they have submitted everything the Board has asked for and are still awaiting a decision from the Board on its request for bulk sales. Board member Linda McGloin stated that there are procedures that they need to abide by and that process can take time.

Samantha L. Link offered the Board the support of the NJSFDA in answering any questions pertaining to the newly signed natural organic reduction law as they promulgate their regulations.

There being no further public business, the Board adjourned at 10:40 a.m. its Public Session until November 13, 2025 and entered Executive Session.

Increasing numbers of funeral directors are having issues with medical certifiers who are either refusing to sign or delaying signing death certificates.

To help its members, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association, with the help of the State Board of Medical Examiners, is providing a helpful guide to dealing with a reluctant medical certifier.

Depending on where the decedent died, there are different procedures, so please read this information carefully and print it out for reference.

Should a funeral director experience significant delays/issues with a medical certifier signing a death certificate and the decedent died in a long-term care facility, contact 609.376.9471.

Please be advised, the Board of Medical Examiners does not maintain a public contact name for this office.

The following are considered long-term care facilities:

• Alternate family care
• Nursing home
• Residential facility
• Sub-acute care facility
• Assisted living program
• Assisted living or comprehensive personal care home
• Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disability
• Adult/pediatric day health services

Should a funeral director experience significant delays/issues with a medical certifier signing a death certificate and the decedent died in an Acute Care Facility, please contact:

Julie Trott RN 609.292.9900
Health Care Services Evaluator/Nurse
Department of Health
120 S. Stockton Street, Lower Level
Trenton, NJ 08611

The following are considered acute care facilities:

• Hospital (general acute care as well as psychiatric, specialized and rehabilitation hospitals) and long-term acute care
• Ambulatory care facility
• Home health agency
• End-stage renal disease facility (dialysis center)
• Hospice

In the event you are unsuccessful in securing them via these phone numbers, please contact the Department of Health Hotline at 800.792.9770.

Should a death occur not at one of these types of facilities and the medical certifier is delaying/refusing to sign the death certificate, you should contact the BME.

Prior to reaching out to the BME, Funeral Directors MUST submit a State Board of Medical Examiners Complaint Form to bmecomplaint@dca.njoag.gov. Calls will not be made to physicians without the submission of this form. Please ensure that the EDRS number; name of the physician; the deceased name and date of birth are included in the complaint.

You may contact the BME Call Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 609.826.7100 and speak with a representative who will immediately forward the information to the Complaints Unit.

All matters received after 3:00 p.m. will be addressed on the next business day. Prior to contacting the BME, all efforts must be made to resolve the matter before filing a complaint. For emergent issues, you may contact Sha’Ron Williams at 609.954.4743.

Funeral directors are advised to fill out the BME complaint form for all cases where a medical certifier has either refused to sign or delayed the signing of a death certificate.

The owners of a damaged Texas mortuary have been charged with multiple counts of abuse of corpse following an investigation that found more than a dozen decomposing bodies in the closed facility.

State officials had inspected Richardson Mortuary in Houston in April 2025 following complaints about the conditions there and found 13 bodies there, one of which was “largely liquified,” according to a KTRK article. Michael Richardson and Gayle Bell, who formerly were married and still own the facility, were charged recently with the felonies.

Richardson’s attorney said his client, who had been hospitalized, was “devastated” by the case, according to a KHOU article. The attorney said someone else had been operating the mortuary, which had been damaged during Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The building had no air conditioning and the corpse there had been left to the elements, law enforcement officials said.

Officials are currently seeking to identify the remains and contact all the families involved. In addition to the 13 bodies, approximately 70 sets of cremated remains were found as well.

The case in Texas is the third recent incident where bodies were found stashed in funeral homes in western states. In August, a Las Vegas, NV, funeral home was ordered to cease operations after an investigation found several bodies that the owner had failed to cremate in a timely manner.

Also in August, approximately 20 bodies were found behind a hidden door in a Pueblo, CO, funeral home. Those bodies were also awaiting cremation, and authorities said the owner admitted giving fake cremated remains to the next of kin. Colorado, which still operates under lax regulations, has been plagued by several high-profile cases of egregious offenses by funeral home owners.

New measures requiring licensing of funeral directors and more rigorous oversight of funeral homes have been signed into law, but those laws will not take effect until 2027.