A family in Camden, New Jersey is heartbroken and outraged after discovering that the body in their deceased loved one’s clothes was unrecognizable. The family of Addison Jenkins arrived at the funeral home to inspect the casket before a public viewing, only to find a different body dressed in Jenkins’ clothes.
According to a complaint filed by the family on September 5th, the plaintiffs were shocked, upset, confused, and in tears when they realized the mistake. They accused the funeral home of negligence in handling human remains and other charges.
Addison Jenkins had pre-planned his funeral and chosen Boyd Funeral Home to handle the services. However, when the family expressed their concerns, the funeral director was not present. A makeup artist from the funeral home reassured them that the body was Jenkins, but there was disagreement between the family and the funeral home employees regarding the identity of the body in the casket.
The family was sent photos by the director to confirm the identity of the deceased loved one, but specific markings on the body did not match Jenkins’ features. The family noted that Jenkins had a cauliflower ear and a noticeable foot infection, which were absent from the body in the casket.
Upon viewing the body again on February 18th with the casket open, the family confirmed that it was indeed Jenkins. The family’s attorney, Michael Shaw, described the situation as disturbing and reprehensible. He criticized the funeral home’s response to the family’s concerns, accusing them of gaslighting the grieving family by insisting that the wrong body was their loved one.
The family is seeking compensation and punitive damages through a trial by jury. The incident has raised questions about the handling of human remains by funeral homes and the importance of proper identification protocols. Families who entrust their deceased loved ones to funeral homes deserve transparency, respect, and dignity in the funeral process. The emotional toll of such a devastating mistake can have long-lasting effects on grieving families, and it is essential for funeral homes to prioritize accuracy and compassion in their services.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and oversight in the funeral industry to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future. Grieving families should feel confident that their loved ones are being cared for with the utmost respect and professionalism.