PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 27 — A couple is suing two funeral homes after allegedly discovering their deceased son’s brain tissue in a box of his remains. The incident has caused immense emotional distress for Lawrence and Abby Butler.
Grief Turns to Horror After Disturbing Funeral Home Discovery
A Philadelphia couple has filed a lawsuit against two funeral homes, alleging negligence and causing severe emotional distress after they found brain tissue in their deceased son’s remains.
Key Takeaways
- A couple discovered what they believe to be their son’s brain tissue in a box of his remains.
- The incident occurred after their son, Timothy Gallington, died at age 56 in November of last year.
- The family is suing two funeral homes for alleged mishandling of human remains and the resulting emotional trauma.
- One funeral home denies negligence, stating they had no knowledge of the tissue and that previous handling was normal.
A disturbing discovery has led Lawrence and Abby Butler to sue two funeral homes, alleging that brain tissue was found in a box containing the remains of their son, Timothy Gallington, who died at age 56 in November.
The couple, who lived in Georgia at the time of their son’s death, had his body transported to Philadelphia. The remains were handled by Knicks and Knicks Funeral Hall in Philadelphia and Georgia’s Saudan Cremation S & P & Funeral Funeral Hall.
Following the funeral services, the Butlers received a white box containing their son’s relics. The box was stored in their vehicle, but soon a strange odor began to emanate from it, and liquid started to leak. Upon investigation, the couple claims they found their son’s brain tissue inside.
The lawsuit states that the funeral homes were careless in their handling of human remains, causing significant mental anguish to the bereaved family.
“The brain still remains in my heart,” Lawrence Butler stated at a press conference in Philadelphia on the 24th, his voice thick with emotion. He added that the mere thought of the remains in the car was unbearable, forcing him to discard the vehicle.
Chris Stewart, the family’s lawyer, criticized the funeral homes, saying, “Both funeral homes have not made any apology or explanation.”
However, Knicks and Knicks Funeral Hall maintains its innocence, stating, “I didn’t know that there was a brain tissue in the box.” The funeral home also asserted that the remains were transferred in normal condition from other funeral homes. They further pointed to an investigation by the main funeral management committee, which reportedly concluded there was no negligence.
