Rhode Island House Approves Bill to Legalize Human Composting and Water Cremation
Rhode Island House lawmakers have passed legislation that would allow residents to choose end-of-life options beyond traditional burial and cremation, advancing a measure that now awaits further consideration in the Senate, WPRI reported.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Michelle McGaw, would legalize natural organic reduction, commonly known as human composting. The practice involves placing a body in a controlled indoor vessel along with organic materials such as wood chips, straw, and plant matter. Over several weeks, the remains break down through accelerated decomposition into soil-like material.
The proposal also authorizes alkaline hydrolysis, often referred to as water cremation or aquamation. This process uses a combination of heated water, pressure, and alkaline chemical solutions to break down human remains. The method leaves behind a sterile liquid byproduct that contains no tissue or DNA and can be processed through wastewater systems.
If enacted, the legislation would permit licensed providers in Rhode Island to offer both natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis, establishing a regulatory framework for their use. The bill is scheduled to take effect on January 30, 2028, if it becomes law.
Virginia Funeral Home Continues Free Flag Exchange Program Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary
Residents across Central Virginia have an opportunity to replace worn American flags at no cost through a longstanding community program offered by Nelsen and Woody Funeral Homes, WTVR 6 News in Richmond reported.
Now in its ninth year, the initiative invites individuals to bring in faded, damaged, or tattered U.S. flags and receive a new 3-by-5-foot American flag free of charge. The exchange program lasted until July 4.
According to funeral home leadership, more than 1,000 flags were collected and replaced during last year’s effort. With the nation marking its 250th anniversary this year, organizers expect participation to increase significantly.
Krystina Diman, president of Woody and Nelsen Funeral Homes and a military veteran, said the program reflects a commitment to honoring the American flag and the values it represents. She noted that many of the families served by the funeral homes have military connections, either through their own service or that of loved ones, making expressions of patriotism especially meaningful within the community.
While the traditional method for retiring an American flag is through ceremonial burning, Diman explained that modern flags are frequently manufactured with synthetic materials rather than cotton, creating potential environmental and safety concerns when burned improperly.
All flags collected through the program will be retired respectfully and in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. The funeral homes are working in partnership with the Virginia War Memorial to conduct a formal flag retirement ceremony later this year.
England and Wales May Approve New Methods of Disposition
England and Wales could soon open the door to alternative methods of body disposition, including human composting and water cremation, The Independent reported.
At present, the only forms of disposition formally recognized under the law in England and Wales are burial, cremation, and burial at sea.
The discussion follows developments in Scotland, which became the first nation in the United Kingdom earlier this year to legalize water cremation as an alternative to traditional funeral practices. The Law Commission has recommended giving both the UK and Welsh governments the authority to approve and regulate emerging methods of body disposition through secondary legislation rather than requiring a new Act of Parliament for each innovation.
Water cremation, sometimes referred to as alkaline hydrolysis or resomation, uses a combination of heated water and alkaline chemicals to accelerate the natural decomposition process. The deceased is typically placed in a biodegradable shroud, such as one made from silk or wool, before being placed in a specialized chamber. Once the process is complete, the remaining material can be returned to the family in a manner similar to cremated remains.
Another option being considered is human composting, also known as terramation. Under this process, the deceased is placed in a specially designed vessel along with organic materials such as wood chips and straw. Over the course of several weeks, natural decomposition converts the body into nutrient-rich soil.
‘Mastermind’ Event in Philadelphia Gets Even More Valuable
“Mastermind: Elevating Your Funeral Service Business to New Heights” has now been approved for continuing education credit in both New Jersey and Maryland, giving deathcare professionals another great reason to attend this one-of-a-kind event.
Taking place Sept. 24, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia, Mastermind brings together some of the most respected experts in funeral service, marketing, consumer behavior, preneed, customer experience, technology and business growth.
Welton Hong, the founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, is among the event’s keynote speakers.
Other speakers include:
Chris Cruger, the CEO of Foresight, a premier consulting firm specializing in the funeral and cemetery profession, will deliver a presentation titled “Succession Is Not Just a TV Show—It’s Preserving Your Legacy.”
Terri Bordenkircher, regional director at Homesteaders, will deliver a presentation titled “Understanding Consumer Motivations: Key Findings from Homesteaders’ Preneed Motivators Report,” which will highlight the behaviors of individuals who choose to prearrange and how they move through the decision-making process.
The Rev. Christopher Monturo, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and has served as pastor of Sacred Heart–Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in Dobbs Ferry, New York since July 1, 2019, will share insights from working with Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel and planning and/or attending high-profile funerals, in a presentation titled “Lessons on Grief, Ritual, and Collaboration from a Priest Who Knows the Profession.”
Emilli Milstead, manager of continuous improvement at Carriage Services, who will deliver a presentation titled “1% Better Every Day: Small Improvements That Create Lasting Change.” Her session will focus on how the mindset of becoming just 1% better every day can strengthen operations, improve team culture and elevate the experience families receive.
The event is also approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice for 6 CEUs – and applications seeking credit have been submitted to Ohio, Pennsylvania and numerous other states.
Family Discovers Wrong Body at Father’s Wake
A New York City family says they were devastated after arriving at their father’s wake only to discover that another man’s body had been placed in the casket, NBC 4 New York reported.
The family of Jose Daniel Diaz Felipe, affectionately known as Danielito, had gathered in Washington Heights to pay their final respects following his death at age 84. Instead of finding their loved one, relatives say they were confronted with the remains of an unfamiliar individual.
According to the family, the discrepancy was immediately apparent. They noted significant physical differences between the man in the casket and their father, including height and hair. Concerned and confused, relatives sought answers from staff at the funeral home regarding the location of Diaz Felipe’s remains.
Family members said they were informed that another deceased individual with a similar name had been received by the funeral home around the same time, leading to what appeared to be a mix-up. Despite that explanation, relatives said they were left uncertain about where their father’s remains were and frustrated by the lack of clear information.
The incident occurred at R.G. Ortiz Funeral Home, a company that has faced previous complaints and legal scrutiny. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection previously filed a lawsuit against the funeral home chain after receiving nearly 50 complaints alleging issues involving the handling of human remains and concerns about the disclosure of pricing for services.
In 2024, the company resolved the case through a settlement that included payments totaling $600,000 to affected clients and an additional $100,000 in civil penalties.
According to the family, funeral home representatives later informed them that Diaz Felipe’s remains had been transferred to the company’s main Bronx location. Relatives were also told that he had been cremated. However, family members said they remain uncertain whether the cremated remains they were told about actually belong to their father.
Florida Judge Awards Burial Rights to Mother in Ponte Vedra Beach Cremation Dispute
A St. Johns County judge in Florida has ruled in favor of a mother in a dispute over the final arrangements of her deceased son, ordering that he be buried in New Jersey rather than cremated, and ending a conflict between her and the man’s estranged wife, the St. Johns Citizen reported.
The man died around April 4 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. His remains were being held at St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory in St. Augustine while the court determined whether he should be cremated or buried.
The disagreement centered on competing requests from family members. The man’s mother, who lives in New Jersey, sought an emergency order to prevent cremation and instead have her son interred in the family burial plot at St. Joseph Cemetery. The estranged wife argued in favor of cremation and requested that his ashes be divided among multiple individuals.
Following a hearing, the court ruled in favor of the mother. The judge concluded that the evidence showed the man had expressed a preference for traditional burial in the family cemetery plot and did not want to be cremated. The ruling also referenced his wish to have the ashes of his deceased cat placed with him in the coffin.
National Funeral Directors Association Launches Redesigned Website
The National Funeral Directors Association has launched a redesigned website that makes it easier for funeral professionals, students, suppliers and consumers to access the information, tools and resources most relevant to them.
The updated NFDA.org features a fresh design, streamlined navigation and an enhanced mobile experience, helping users more quickly find the education, advocacy resources, news, research and business tools they rely on from NFDA.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of three simplified navigation pathways – “For You,” “For Your Business” and “For the Profession” – designed to help users quickly connect with the content and services most relevant to their needs.
“Our goal was to create a website experience that is more intuitive, accessible and user-focused,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper.
She added, “Whether someone is looking for professional development opportunities, advocacy information, business resources or consumer education materials, the new NFDA.org helps them get there faster and more easily.”
Additional enhancements include:
- A cleaner, more intuitive interface.
- Simplified navigation and improved organization of content.
- An enhanced experience for mobile users.
- A clearer distinction between NFDA.org and the NFDA member portal.
The updated website reflects NFDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting funeral professionals and advancing the profession through education, advocacy, research and community engagement.
Third-Generation McCorry Brothers Funeral Home Relocates
After serving families in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, for 84 years, McCorry Brothers Funeral Home has relocated its operations to Fort Lee, marking the end of an era for one of the borough’s longtime businesses, NorthJersey.com reported.
The funeral home announced that increasing operating expenses and changes within the funeral profession led the family to make the difficult decision to leave its longtime location. While acknowledging the emotional significance of the move, the McCorry family expressed deep appreciation for the Cliffside Park community, local residents, the borough’s police department, and the many relationships built over generations of service.
The move, they noted, was part of an effort to reduce overhead and ensure the firm’s long-term sustainability.
McCorry Brothers is now operating from a shared facility with Hunt-Stellato Funeral Home at 1601 Palisade Avenue in Fort Lee. Owner Paul McCorry said the transition from the Anderson Avenue location was completed around May 13.
Cliffside Park officials praised the funeral home’s longstanding role in the community. Mayor Thomas Calabrese described McCorry Brothers as a vital institution that supported local families through some of life’s most difficult moments. He also noted the strong working relationship between the funeral home and the Cliffside Park Police Department, which routinely assisted with funeral processions over the years.
The former funeral home property is slated for redevelopment. According to borough spokesperson William Maer, plans approved by the zoning board call for the construction of a 20-unit residential building at the site.
South Carolina Funeral Home Co-Owner Held in Jail on Michigan Sexual Conduct Warrant
A co-owner of a South Carolina funeral home is being held in the Spartanburg County Detention Center after his arrest on a fugitive warrant connected to new criminal sexual conduct charges filed in Michigan, New Media Detroit reported.
Authorities say Robert Ian Nelms was taken into custody in South Carolina and is now awaiting extradition to Michigan following the issuance of a first-degree criminal sexual conduct warrant out of Grand Traverse County. Court documents show the criminal complaint was authorized on May 20, 2026, with the arrest warrant issued two days later on May 22. The charge involves an allegation of criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13, and the alleged incident date is listed as July 1, 2024.
Nelms is identified as co-owner of the Cremation Society of South Carolina, which operates funeral service locations in Greenville and Seneca. At this stage, authorities have not released additional public details regarding the underlying allegations in Michigan.
The case adds to a broader history of legal issues involving Nelms across multiple states and over several years. In Michigan, regulators issued a cease-and-desist order in 2020 involving MGMC, LP, finding that he had offered and sold investment securities in the state without proper disclosure of relevant information, including prior felony convictions. The order required him to stop the activity and noted the possibility of civil penalties.
Carriage Services Enters the Greater Knoxville, Tennessee Market with Latest Acquisition
Carriage Services announced in a news release that it has acquired substantially all the assets of McCammon Ammons Click Funeral Home located in Maryville, Tennessee.
Donnie Poteet stated, “The McCammon Ammons Click team has taken great pride in serving the families of Greater Knoxville for more than 100 years. As Katherine and I began having discussions around succession planning, we focused on finding someone who not only would protect the legacy that has been established over all these years but also build upon that legacy”
Poteet concluded, “After getting to know the team at Carriage, we are confident they will take great care of our business, our staff, and the families we serve.”
Steve Metzger, president and chief operating officer of Carriage Services, stated, “We are excited to enter the growing Greater Knoxville market with a premier business that has been serving the community for 120 years. Continuing to build Carriage’s footprint throughout Tennessee aligns well with our focus on purposeful growth.”
Ohio Family Sues Funeral Home After Mother Is Wrongfully Cremated Instead of Buried
A Central Ohio family has filed a lawsuit against a Hilliard funeral home after their mother was cremated despite clear plans for burial, according to court filing, ABC 6 On Your Side reported.
The complaint alleges that Tidd Funeral Home cremated Nancy Anders in June of last year, even though her arrangements specified burial alongside her late husband. Anders died in May, about one week before the cremation took place.
Court documents state that Anders had made and prepaid for her funeral arrangements approximately two years prior to her death. Those plans did not include cremation, which the family says aligned with her personal beliefs against that practice.
The lawsuit further claims the funeral home proceeded with cremation without obtaining the required authorization paperwork. The family says they were informed roughly a week after her death that the cremation had already occurred in error.
In addition to alleging mishandling of the final arrangements, the family reports experiencing emotional distress and physical illness as a result of the incident. They are seeking $25,000 in damages and are requesting a jury trial to resolve the case.
Funeral Home Impersonation Scam Targets Grieving Harlem Family Hours After Mother’s Death
A grieving family in Harlem, Georgia was targeted by scammers posing as funeral home staff just hours after the death of their mother, in an attempted fraud that nearly resulted in the loss of money during an already devastating time, WRDW/WAGT reported.
Jeannie, the daughter of the deceased, said she received a message shortly after her mother passed away on May 9 from someone claiming to be Keith Beggs, the owner of Beggs Funeral Home in Thompson. The message was followed by a phone call from the same number later that afternoon.
During the call, the impersonator requested an upfront payment, stating that a deposit was required before funeral arrangements could proceed due to limited time before closing. The caller attempted to pressure the family into sending $1,200.
Jeannie told the caller that a family member could arrive in person within minutes to make the payment. Shortly afterward, the scammer responded via text, suggesting payment through a PayPal account.
The request raised suspicions within the family, particularly because they believed their father did not actively use PayPal. Concerned, Jeannie’s brother began investigating whether the contact was legitimate and located what he believed to be the real phone number for the funeral home’s owner.
Read more about the scheme and what happened in the full article.
Minnesota Funeral Director Sentenced After 20-Year-Old Human Skull Mystery Solved in Wisconsin Case
A long-unsolved case involving a human skull discovered in western Wisconsin has been resolved with the sentencing of a Twin Cities-area funeral director who admitted to decapitating a deceased woman and abandoning her head in a wooded area, Bring Me the News reported.
Benjamin Carl Hanson, 57, of Bayport, Minnesota, was sentenced Tuesday to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to concealing a corpse with intent to hide a crime. In addition to the jail term, he was ordered to serve four years of probation, undergo mental health treatment, and pay nearly $15,000 in restitution.
Court records show that Hanson admitted to removing the head of 92-year-old Alyce Catharina Peterson of Stillwater, Minnesota, who had died of natural causes in 2001. At the time, Hanson was working at Simonet Funeral Home in Oak Park Heights. He acknowledged using a handsaw to sever her head before proceeding with cremation arrangements for her body.
He later attempted to bury the severed head in a cemetery in Stillwater but ultimately removed it and discarded it in a ravine in western Wisconsin, where he believed it would not be found.
Historic Birmingham Funeral Home Davenport & Harris Names New President After 126 Years in Operation
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home, a long-standing institution serving Black families in Birmingham, Alabama for more than a century, has appointed a new president following a leadership transition announced after 126 years in business, WBRC 6 News reported.
The Rev. LaShawn Nicole Slater has been named president and CEO of the Birmingham-based funeral home, taking over from Marion Partee Sterling, who has led the company for the past two decades as a fourth-generation executive. Sterling confirmed the leadership change as part of a planned transition.
Founded on Sept. 12, 1899, in Birmingham’s Titusville neighborhood, the funeral home was established by siblings Charles Morgan Harris and Hattie Davenport during a period when African Americans had extremely limited access to funeral services. The business originated in response to the lack of establishments willing to care for deceased Black residents in the post-slavery era.
Over its long history, leadership of the funeral home has passed through both family members and non-relatives. After the death of founder Charles Morgan Harris, his wife assumed control of the business. Later, leadership was held by successive generations of the family, including Virgil Harris and Carol Mitchell. At other points, individuals without familial ties, including Paul Harris and Jim Harrison, also served as presidents.
Sterling assumed leadership in 2006 and said he began considering retirement in recent years, emphasizing the importance of ensuring an orderly succession rather than leaving leadership decisions unresolved.
The funeral home also holds historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement. It provided services for three of the four young girls killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church and later conducted funeral arrangements for civil rights leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth in 2011.
Slater, who is not related to the founding family, joined the organization nearly 20 years ago after beginning her training in funeral service while studying at Miles College and Jefferson State Community College. She started at Davenport and Harris as an apprentice in 2007 and gained experience across multiple areas of the business under Sterling’s guidance.
As part of the broader transition, longtime employee LaTorria Williams has been promoted to general manager.
