Prosecuting the Dead

Posthumous prosecutions! We’re such a litigious people it’s almost believable of 2025 America, but no: this is another one of those incredible feats of folly that history holds in such abundance.

We do still have some present-day posthumous court activity, to be sure — exonerations and pardonings happen even today, mostly for the sake of families and survivors, often for the purposes of clearing someone’s name or clarifying estate matters.

One of the most famous examples of trial of a corpse is that of Joan of Arc in 1431, who was burned at the stake for heresy. A “nullification trial” cleared her name of any wrongdoing. Jim Morrison of The Doors was pardoned by the State of Florida in 2010, almost 40 years after his 1971 death in a move seen by family and some surviving bandmates as no less politically motivated.

But what of the extreme position of taking a corpse — fresh or otherwise — to trial, setting them upright as witnesses, and convicting them of this or that, then punishing the decomposing remains?

Once upon a benighted time, yes, it happened.

The cadaver synod

Trials of the dead where the corpse was found guilty and punishment imposed were typically politically or religiously motivated. If found guilty, penalties were often bizarre and severe; extreme fines, for example, and in at least one case, partial dismemberment.

Courts tried corpses to confiscate estates, destroy legacy and name, or impose a verdict that couldn’t stick when the “convicted” were alive.

An especially infamous example is Cadaver Synod of the late ninth century. 9 months after his death, Pope Formosus’s rotting corpse was exhumed, dressed in vestment robes, propped n a papal chair in Rome, and made to “answer” for his crimes, a debacle that has been called “political theater.” Found guilty, had his status as Pope revoked, and the three fingers used in blessings amputated. His remains were tossed into the Tiber River.

The year was 897.

Exhumation and legal issues

Exhumation is the main channel by which the bodily involvement of the departed in our legal system happens in the 21st century.

For death-care professionals, the implications are legal and practical: exhumation orders can arrive with little notice; there can be reams of paperwork and a strict chain-of-custody requirement. Handling procedures are documented. Transport to forensic labs happens within regulations, by certified means. Logistics become more involved for fragile remains, those interred in a family plot, and the embalmed. There may be elaborate coordination necessary as you juggle cemetery managers, forensics officials, procedures, and the needs of affected family all while preserving the dignity of the deceased.

Today’s dead may not be litigants in the modern sense, but bodies are still often the most important evidence in legal proceedings… they just don’t take the stand anymore.

Community Crowdfunding for Funeral Directors by Funeral Directors

Many funeral homes have experience with a  young child passing away in their community. 

The family  inquires about services after this sudden, tragic death of a loved one.  Many funeral homes offer to donate goods and services, but the funeral home still needs to cover cash advance items like published obituaries, cemetery open and close, death certificate filing, and more. Then the family and friends, with good intentions, set up a fundraiser using an online crowdfunding platform. 

A genuine action to help the family  inadvertently begins to reflect negatively on your funeral home, making it appear as if you didn’t help them out at all. All this, while the real story is that the funeral services have been donated.  The general public most likely doesn’t know this and doesn’t consider what is happening behind the scene.

“When a community is coming together to help a family in need, that’s good.   However, they should consider all needs of the family, not just the cost of the funeral”,  shared Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home and Founder of Treasured Memories.

Similar scenarios encouraged Jimmy and his team to create Treasured Memories Community Funding (TMC Funding): an online fundraising platform created for funeral professionals, by funeral professionals. TMC Funding allows funeral homes to bring crowdfunding in-house while securing funds for families in need to better serve their communities. 

Ultimately, this demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care while enhancing your firm’s public image.

Other community funding platforms exist by taking a portion of the funds raised. Treasured Memories has a 0% platform fee and we provide our services through donor tips.   100% of the donations will go to the family or charity of choice.

Treasured Memories Community funding not only helps a family pay for their loved one’s services, it can also be used to raise money for memorial donations, charitable events, sponsorships and other community organizations. 

“When we built the platform, we were focused on families in need,” explained Jimmy. “What we actually found out is that only 30% of the fundraisers are for families in need. 70% of the funds raised are for successful community outreach and memorial donations.” Crowdfunding can help funeral providers with all types of fundraisers:

Family Support – Funds can be raised for families in need of assistance with funeral, medical and other unexpected expenses.

Memorial Donations – Charities and organizations in someone’s name or in

support a family.

Charitable Events – Raise funds for a specific event happening in your community.

Community Fundraisers – For a local organization in need of support.

Support for Veterans – Raise funds for Veterans’ medical assistance, housing or other necessities.

Loving Pets and Animals – Raise money towards furry friends that require medical assistance, shelter or other efforts.

Community fundraising  opens the door for many funeral homes to support their communities.  When a fundraiser is created, the funeral home has the opportunity to help share the family’s story. 

Both the family and funeral home can begin sharing the fundraiser on social media.  Once the fundraiser is complete, the funeral director can present the check to the family or the organization of their choice.  

“Treasured Memories Community Funding has helped us build relationships in our community.  It has given the funeral home an opportunity to show how families impact the charities in their loved one’s memory,” shared Craig Roe, Vice President and General Manager for Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock, MI.

The increased  publicity will impact your funeral home’s reputation in a positive way .

Treasured Memories Community Funding presents opportunities to follow up with charitable organizations creating community engagement.  Outreach events have the potential to create a cycle of education, community involvement and positive attention for your funeral home.

For more information regarding community fundraising or getting started 

on our platform, please contact us at tmcfunding.com/contact-us.

A Little About Our Founder:

Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home & Founder of Treasured Memories, graduated from Villanova University (BA, 1988) and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (Associate’s, 1989). He and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have three children: Simon Cameron, James Elijah, and Justine Virginia.

Foundation Partners Group Appoints New Directors to Guide Future Growth

Four new members bring deep expertise in deathcare, transformation & financial services

WINTER PARK, Fla. (October 23, 2025)  Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second largest provider of funeral services, today announced the appointment of four seasoned executives to its board of directors. The additions, effective immediately, broaden the board’s collective experience across the deathcare, consulting and financial services industries.

The new directors include:

• Mark Laber, managing director at global consulting firm BRG
• Knut Olson, CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group
• Raphael “Ray” Wallander, owner, chairman and CEO of Maxwell Bay Advisors, LLC
• Bill Williams, former president & CEO, and current consultant at Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI)

“This outstanding group of funeral industry veterans and business transformation leaders share our vision for the future of deathcare, and the vital role Foundation Partners will play,” said John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group. “Their insights will be instrumental as we scale as a unified operating company and continue delivering end-of-life care rooted in simplicity, transparency and trust.”
Director Profiles

Mark Laber

Laber, a managing director within the corporate finance and turnaround practice at BRG, has advised on more than 50 transactions across multiple industries during his tenures at BRG, FTI and PwC. Based in New York, he specializes in working with companies and their investors during times of operational improvement and change.  

Knut Olson

With more than 30 years in life, health and annuity insurance, Olson is known for driving innovation, capital management and product development. As CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group, he launched a global reinsurance business and expanded accident and health operations. Previously, as president and CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, he led upgrades in industry ratings and grew niche markets including preneed and long-term care insurance.

Raphael “Ray” Wallander

Wallander, founder of Maxwell Bay Advisors, has advised and served on the boards of more than 10 private companies. He specializes in corporate transformation, restructuring and governance. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Wayzata Investment Partners, including corporate counsel and general counsel.
Bill Williams

A licensed funeral director since 1980, Williams has deep experience in funeral home and cemetery management, as well as regulatory and legislative advocacy. He served as president and CEO of Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI) for more than two decades before its acquisition by Argent Financial Group, where he now consults on funeral and cemetery trust administration and preneed programs.

“I am proud to welcome these leaders to the Foundation Partners board,” Smith added. “Together, we are well-positioned to support our frontline teams and advance our mission of providing meaningful, family-centered care.”

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.

Funeral Directors Life Names Alex Farnstrom as Market Center Manager

ABILENE, TX — Funeral Directors Life is proud to announce Alex Farnstrom as Market Center Manager for the Western region. Alex will serve funeral homes on the West Coast, along with Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

“We are very excited to add Alex to our Sales Management Team,” said Kris Seale, President and CEO of Funeral Directors Life. “Alex has more than 30 years of experience in the funeral profession and knows what it means to own and operate a funeral home. He’ll be of great service to our clients in the West.”

For more than 25 years, Alex owned and operated Farnstrom Mortuaries in Oregon. He led his business to
become one of the premier funeral homes in his area, serving more than 1,200 families a year across five
locations. This hands-on experience will allow Alex to help funeral homes achieve unprecedented success.

“Alex has a deep understanding of the funeral profession and will be a tremendous asset to our partners,” said Eric Espinosa, Director of Sales Development for Funeral Directors Life. “His insights into what makes a great partner will help us continue to elevate our service and support.”

Alex holds a degree in Funeral Service Education Science along with funeral director and embalmer licenses in California, Kansas, Oregon, and Texas.

“I look forward to meeting with funeral professionals, learning about their aspirations, and helping them achieve their goals,” Alex said. “I hope to utilize my years of experience as an owner and executive to be an extension of their business. I have no doubts this is going to be a wonderful experience!”

About Funeral Directors Life

Funeral Directors Life is focused on being the best, most-respected provider of service to the funeral profession with preneed funeral solutions, financial services, and technology offerings. We help our clients improve their businesses and grow their profitability through our full-service solutions. Your business requires more than preneed solutions – that’s why we’re more than a preneed company. For more information about Funeral Directors Life, visit us online at www.fdl.co.

Funeral Directors Can’t Quit Their Annual PSL Tradition

I’ve been living a double life.

Most of you know me as the person who drops a weekly batch of funeral industry satire in the FFFW. But here’s the twist—when I’m not poking fun at embalming fluid and grief dogs, I’m actually a signed recording artist in Nashville with Capital CMG.

This year, music has become my main focus. Still, I love this profession too much to step away from the FFFW. Honestly, writing this every week is one of my highlights.

And speaking of highlights— My boss, Ryan Thogmartin, has been nudging me to plug my music here for a while now, and I think today’s the day. So, here it is: I just released my debut EP, OUTSKIRTS (a 7-song record).

No, it’s not funeral themed (though now I’m wondering what a concept album about embalming would sound like). But if you enjoy the FFFW and want to hear what else I create, I’d love for you to check it out. Maybe there’s a song or two on there that’ll hit home for you.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Hey, also what’s really cool is that Kyle from MemoryShare has been one of my #1 encouragers through this whole process. So check out what he and his incredible company are doing!

Introducing The Memo by MemoryShare

New monthly newsletter!

“The Memo” is for funeral directors to stay updated on the latest tools, pro-tips, video tricks, and technology op-eds in the funeral profession. Subscribers will get exclusive access to early offers, discounts, and feature releases.

To subscribe to The Memo, click the button below.

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Funeral Home Owner Trots Out Annual “Pumpkin Spice Latte” Joke, Staff Politely Laugh for 7th Straight Year

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Fall has officially arrived at Whitmore Funeral Chapel, marked not by the changing leaves or the chill in the air, but by the predictable sound of owner Dale Whitmore recycling his annual joke at the expense of his younger staff.

The moment occurred Monday morning when apprentice director Kyle Hastings walked in holding a Starbucks cup. Without missing a beat, Dale quipped: “Careful with that—real men drink black coffee.”

Witnesses confirm it’s the seventh consecutive year Dale has delivered the same joke, with the exact same smirk, and the same dramatic pause afterward. “He actually chuckled at his own line before anyone else could react,” said embalmer Jeff. “That’s when we knew: fall is here.”

At this point, the bit has become something of an office tradition. “It’s less about the joke and more about watching Dale’s face light up like he’s reinvented stand-up comedy,” Kyle explained. “We chuckle, we nod, and we move on with our day. It’s basically our version of putting up the Halloween décor.”

Other staff admit they quietly prepare for it. “I order a PSL every October just so Dale can get it out of his system,” said grief counselor Paula. “It’s cheaper than therapy.”

Despite growing weariness from employees, Dale shows no signs of retiring the gag. “As long as Starbucks keeps selling those things, I’m gonna keep saying it,” he said proudly. “Tradition matters in this profession.”

When asked if he ever considered a new joke, Dale shook his head. “Why mess with perfection?”

Trivia

Choose the correct answer and you’ll see a puppy. Get it wrong and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.

When adjusted for inflation and modern currency, who’s funeral was the most expensive in history?

What is the most expensive funeral ever recorded in modern history?
A) Alexander the Great’s funeral
B) Princess Diana’s funeral
C) Pope John Paul II’s funeral

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1. This Milford nonprofit helps families with high funeral costs
2. People Magazine Covers Funeral Profession Story
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

Funeral Directors Life to Provide Free Tickets to Soul On Fire, a Biographical Film about John O’Leary’s Life

ABILENE, TX — Funeral Directors Life (FDL) is excited to provide free tickets to Soul On Fire, a biographical
film about the life of John O’Leary, a two-time #1 National Bestselling Author of ON FIRE and IN AWE and host of the award-winning Live Inspired Podcast. FDL is sponsoring several screenings of the film for “Soul On Fire Night” in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

“When I first heard John’s story years ago, I was blown away by his resilience and positive mindset,” said Kris Seale, President and CEO of Funeral Directors Life. “I immediately invited him to speak at our end-of-year event, which sparked the beginning of a wonderful partnership. As a company, we’ve read John’s books together and sponsored him at the NFDA Convention in 2022 and many state funeral director association conventions. His story will resonate with many, and it’s one that people desperately need right now.”

As a child, John was burned on 100% of his body and given less than 1% chance to live. This film, directed by Sean McNamara and written by Gregory Poirier, chronicles John’s accident, road to recovery, and unbreakable spirit. Soul On Fire stars Joel Courtney as John O’Leary, John Corbett as Denny O’Leary, and William H. Macy as Jack Buck. The film is set to release in theaters on October 10, 2025.

“We’re proud to share John’s inspiring story with others however we can,” continued Seale. “But more
importantly, we’re honored to spread his message of positivity during life’s hardest moments. If more people had John’s joy, the world would be a better place.”

Dates vary, but seats are free for funeral professionals while tickets last. To see if the film is playing near you or to claim your free seat to “Soul On Fire Night,” please click here.

About Funeral Directors Life

Funeral Directors Life is focused on being the best, most-respected provider of service to the funeral profession with preneed funeral solutions, financial services, and technology offerings. We help our clients improve their businesses and grow their profitability through our full-service solutions. Your business requires more than preneed solutions – that’s why we’re more than a preneed company. For more information about Funeral Directors Life, visit us online at www.fdl.co.

The beginning of a recent article on the ASD Blog, authored by Jessica Farren, had a quote without, to my knowledge, an author’s acknowledgement.  I will post it here with no acknowledgement but do believe it captures the essence of America’s funeral directors:

“Deathcare professionals are not heroes because they are immune to tragedy — they are heroes because they are not immune, but they answer the call anyway.”

Today, marks the 24th anniversary of America’s September 11 tragedy, which happened on that date in 2001.  Among the tragedy of that day, many funeral directors were heroes.  I came across the above referenced   ASD Blog  post titled “Eight inspiring examples of Deathcare heroism throughout history”.  You will find the September 11 tragedy among the times listed for funeral directors being heroes.

I’ve also reprised the article from September 11, 2019, from Funeral Director Daily about that tragic day and my experience of it and its aftermath.  Here it is:

“So today, September 11, 2025, marks the 24th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks on America.  For those of us who are baby boomers, that day is seared in our memory as are the days of the President John F. Kennedy assassination, the day that astronaut Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, and the day of the space shuttle Challenger implosion.  I’m amazed that each of those days was simply a 24 hour period — yet each of those days is ingrained in my memory and has become a dateline of how my life has been measured . . . as I measure time in my life as happening either before or after those dates.

 

I began the day in 2001, as it was the 2nd Tuesday of the month, leading our monthly pre-need seminar for invited senior guests.  I remember a guest, and I could tell you who it was, mentioning to me as he arrived that “a plane had hit the World Trade Center”.  Thinking it was a small passenger plane I thought little of it.  We did the seminar and then, since we did not have a funeral that day and Tuesday was my golf day, I raced out to the first tee.

 

Cell phones were turned off and I am pretty sure we did not have text messaging at that time so we had no reason to look at our phones.  I vividly remember coming into the clubhouse following the round of golf and what was usually a boisterous atmosphere had not a soul, sans the bartender, in the room.  The television had CNN on it and the bartender caught my foursome up to speed with what had happened.  Like everybody else in America, I was stunned and raced home to watch CNN and its reporting for the rest of the night.

 

That day 24 years ago has changed a lot of things.  We now have the TSA and the rules it has brought to travel. . . including, for our safety, lines at airport terminals.  A formerly pretty trusting way of life with strangers we meet has turned into a more guarded view of them and everything else.

 

However, as funeral directors and others in the death care profession — a lot has remained the same.  We still aim to serve families one family at a time and are always there to help them walk through their grief regardless of how that loved one was lost.

 

And, many of my colleagues remember more of that day 24 years ago than I do. . . .because they were there to walk hand in hand with those families through their grief.  It was family members of office workers, police officers, and fire fighters in New York City that needed care.  It was family members of our armed forces heroes in Washington, and it was the family members of all kinds of just normal folk on Flight 93 that was crash landed in a rural field in Pennsylvania.

 

Funeral directors and other industry workers rose to the task to serve those families with compassion.  I was fortunate to meet a sister of Minnesota’s own Tom Burnet, Jr. who was one who helped foil the intended plans of crashing Flight 93 into our nation’s capitol and died doing so.  When she learned that I was a funeral director, she told me the story of funeral director and coroner Wally Miller of Somerset, Pennsylvania.  It was in his duty area where Flight 93 was brought down and she told me he was a “hero” to the families for his compassion and effort.

 

I’ve never met Mr. Miller, but as a fellow funeral director, I was not surprised that one of our colleagues would give such service above self.  That just emanates in our profession.

 

So, as we remember that awful day from 24 years ago today, let’s also remember the goodness that our profession will always provide to our nation on days like that.”

 

Related Article —  Here is an archived article from a Pennsylvania newspaper that tells of Wally Miller’s help that day and beyond.

Related Article — Here is an article from the Los Angeles County Funeral Directors Association about Flight 93 and how Douglass Airline Funeral Coordinators helped serve families caught in the tragedy.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

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According to this recent article from Insurance News Net, an August decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana will allow a 2024 filed lawsuit to proceed for Montana funeral directors who claim a “premium financing scheme cost them millions”.

• Again, according to the article, the plaintiffs operate the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Homes in Miles City, Montana.  The family alleges they were misled into purchasing high-risk financial products that caused substantial financial losses.

• The plaintiffs also believe that had they been advised of what they now believe is a greater financial risk of the policies a financial catastrophe could have been avoided.

• The lawsuit was initially filed in July 2024 and lawsuit centers on the sale of $67.5 million worth of premium-financed life insurance policies. Defendants include MassMutual Life Insurance Co. and Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co.

• According to the article, the debt service on the premiums and the premiums paid have outgrown the value of the policies by $8 million.

• With this recent decision by the District Court judge, the lawsuit continues to move forward.

Related —  There is more information on this lawsuit that can be found, including a very good “Case Overview”, at the Beck, Amsden, and Staples PLLC website that is dated August 27,2025.  You can access that website here

Related — Here is the definition of “Premium-financed insurance policies” as given from Gemini Artificial Intelligence:

“A premium-financed life insurance policy involves borrowing from a third-party lender to pay the premiums for a large life insurance policy, typically for high-net-worth individuals, allowing them to keep their own capital invested while securing the coverage. The life insurance policy itself, and its cash value, serves as collateral for the loan. The borrower then repays the loan with interest, anticipating that the growth of their invested assets or the policy’s cash value will outperform the loan’s interest rate.”

 

Related — Here is the website for the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Homes

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’ll have no comment on the merits of this case on either the plaintiff or defendent side.  I’ve included this information in today’s Funeral Director Daily article simply under the “There’s probably something to be learned from this event” banner.

In my opinion, and I’m a licensed life insurance agent, life insurance in its differing forms, and the methods used to pay for the coverage can be a very complicated business transaction.  It can also be a very useful tool for many financial situations.

Over my life I’ve owned policies and found suitable uses for term life insurance, whole life insurance, universal life insurance, single premium life insurance, and period certain annuities.

Now that I’m aware of this case it will be interesting following it to see how it turns out.  I’m hopeful that I can let Funeral Director Daily readers know how it all works out as the matter proceeds through America’s legal system.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Carlos Black and Christopher Costello Elected 2025-27 At-Large Representatives to NFDA Board of Directors

Brookfield, Wis. – Carlos D. Black and Christopher Costello have been elected to serve as at-large representatives on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Board of Directors. They will begin their two-year terms of service immediately following the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo, taking place October 26 though 29 in Chicago, Illinois. 

On August 5, during the NFDA Leadership Conference in Napa, California, state association representatives elected the new at-large representatives. State association representatives are the voting representatives from each state who cast a ballot on behalf of their state for the at-large representatives on the NFDA Board of Directors. 

Carlos D. Black brings more than 30 years of experience in funeral service, having advanced from funeral attendant to general manager. He currently serves as General Manager of Small’s Mortuary Inc., which has multiple locations in Mobile, Alabama. A licensed funeral director in both Alabama and Texas, Black is known for his operations management skills, commitment to professional development and passion for community engagement. In addition to his funeral service credentials, Black is an ordained minister serving at Beth Eden Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a role that complements his compassionate leadership style and dedication to ethical service. Throughout his career, he has championed excellence in operations, mentorship of emerging professionals and advocacy on behalf of the profession. 

“If elected to the Board of Directors,” Black stated in his campaign biography, “I will bring leadership and operational expertise, a commitment to mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals, and a strong voice for advancing policies and practices that protect and elevate our profession.” 

Christopher Costello is a licensed funeral director with Mothe Funeral Homes in New Orleans, Louisiana. A fourth-career funeral director, Costello’s professional journey has included roles as a chemist, educator, business leader and consultant. This diverse background gives him a distinctive perspective on innovation, problem-solving and public service in funeral care. Costello’s commitment to service is evident in both his professional and volunteer work. Costello was a member of the 2024-25 class of the NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program and is currently serving on the NFDA Convention Education Task Force. Over the years, he has held positions ranging from volunteer to board officer across a variety of community and professional organizations. With 30 years in New Orleans, he is deeply connected to his local community and the families he serves. 

“My experience outside of funeral service helps me bring fresh thinking to the challenges our industry faces,” said Costello. “I’m energized to offer insight from other sectors and help identify solutions that will strengthen NFDA and advance funeral service nationwide.” More information about Black and Costello can be found on the NFDA website, NFDA.org/Elections. 

NFDA Board Leadership

As announced in June, the following individuals were elected by NFDA members to serve as officers on the 2025-26 Board of Directors:

• President-elect: Chris E. Christian, CFSP, CCO, Christian-Sells Funeral Home, Rogersville, Tennessee
• Treasurer: Steven Spann, CFSP, CCO, Spann Funeral Home, Dickson, Tennessee
• Secretary: Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CCSP, Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory, Villa Rica, Georgia 

Following his term as 2024-25 President-elect, Daniel J. Ford, CFSP, CCSP, of Alderson-Ford Funeral Home in Cheshire, Connecticut, will lead NFDA as the 2025-26 President. Current NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO, Robinson Family Funeral Homes, Easley, South Carolina, will continue on the Board with a one-year term as the 2025-26 Immediate Past President. Also continuing their service on the NFDA Board are 2024–26 At-large Representatives Carlton Maye Jr., MBA, CFSP, CCO, of Statesboro, Georgia; and Ladd Pulliam, CFSP, CCO, of Richton, Mississippi. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving nearly 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and more than 40 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

Restlessly Dead: Cadaveric Spasm

Sometimes they shift. Some huff or groan. It’s expected… sort of; over time, studies have revealed that cadavers are more “restlessness” than we thought.

Movements follow generally predictable patterns: excitability in the muscles that lasts a few hours after death, bloating and gas expansion, fluid drainage, gravity. A recent Australian body-farm study even observed recently that contraction of drying ligaments could shift cadavers several feet.

A bit freaky… but not mysterious.

Cadaveric spasm

At least one mystery does persist, though.

Half myth, widely doubted, and seldom documented at all is the apparently instantaneous rigor dubbed “cadaveric spasm,” in which the dead clutch objects tightly with their hands, arms and, in one case, lips; the phenomenon seems to occur under conditions of violent, sudden death.

How and why it happens is not understood. Some theorize that it’s a result of rapid ATP depletion due to extreme fear or stress —  that ATP is rapidly depleted during the moment of extremesis in a violent death, causing the near-immediate stiffening that locks the body into its last pose. 

Others speculate that extreme brain trauma may be a factor. It’s been suggested that the spasm is a form of decerebration rigidity — the severance of the brain’s cortex control from the brain stem and spinal cord. 

Stiffening naturally occurs with this injury in living victims in specific ways (clenched jaw, arched back, extended arms, stiff legs). Once the connection from brainstem to cortex is broken, this is how the brain stem reflexes kick in. These are all completely involuntary movements, pure reflex driven by an incomplete nervous system. They’re not unlike other residual charges of brain and muscle, lung or limb, dispersed elsewhere, isolated from life, unmoored from purpose. Unsettling echoes.

But theories all; no proof. It’s unpredictable, so it’s controversial. Once upon a time it was simply denied outright, but cases of the phenomenon exist all the same.

Not the rigor mortis we know

Perfunctory rigor mortis respects a schedule. Cadaveric spasm does not. Whatever’s happening in cadaveric spasm seems as whiplash violent as the death that triggers it. CS ruptures the delicate chemistries of death as we understand it, fast and furious as a drive-by.

Whatever rules this turf, trauma or terror, hasn’t left traces we can track yet, and the dead aren’t talking. For now. And whatever it is, it follows its own undisclosed rules and doesn’t provide answers.