Law enforcement officials have recovered at least 189 bodies from a southern Colorado funeral home specializing in green burials and cremations, a significant uptick as authorities sift through the shuttered facility.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday revised initial numbers from its investigation into the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose. Authorities earlier this month said at least 115 “improperly stored” bodies had been recovered. The number of bodies could change as the investigation continues.
On Oct. 13, all decedents were removed from the funeral home and transported to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, CBI officials said in a news release.
The second phase of the investigation includes confirming identification and notifying families. This step, expected to begin over the next couple of days, will be led by the Fremont County Coroner’s Office, victim advocates and others, authorities said. There is no timetable for its completion.
“We are conducting extensive coordination efforts as we focus on the identification of the decedents and provide notifications to ensure the families are given accurate information to prevent further victimization as they continue to grieve their loved ones,” Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said in a statement.
The FBI and local authorities have opened parallel investigations into the funeral home to determine whether any crimes have been committed. No arrests have been made.
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, which oversees the state’s funeral homes, this month suspended the funeral home’s Colorado Springs license. The Penrose location, state regulators found, had been operating since November without a license.
The magnitude of the investigation prompted the state to activate the Emergency Operations Center to assist with hazardous materials, food and security for workers, and personal protective equipment.
A Woodland Park man told The Denver Post last week that he used Return to Nature for his mother’s cremation in June. But representatives of the crematory listed on her death certificate said they couldn’t have performed the cremation.
Families have been asked to fill out an FBI form to assist in the process.
Anyone who believes their family has been impacted can email penrosefuneralhome@fbi.gov. or call the Fremont County hotline for families at 719-276-7421.
