Funeral Homes Allegedly Gave Parents Brain of Deceased Son in Lawsuit
Funeral Home Mishandling Leads to Distress Over Deceased Son’s Brain
In an unsettling incident, a lawsuit alleges that two funeral homes mishandled the remains of Timothy Garlington, a 56-year-old veteran who passed away in 2023. After his body was transferred from Georgia to Pennsylvania, Garlington’s parents, Lawrence and Abbey Butler, were given his skull in a box that emitted a foul odor, leaked fluids, and exposed them to brain tissue.
The Butlers recounted that, while moving Garlington’s belongings, they discovered a white cardboard box containing an unlabeled red container. Several days later, the box began to smell and leak, and when Lawrence Butler picked it up, the leaked fluid covered his hands, which contained brain matter. The couple’s attorney claims they were unable to open the red box at the funeral home, which was supposed to contain Garlington’s remains, and later learned it held his brain.
Confused and distressed, the Butlers contacted the Georgia funeral home, Southern Cremations & Mortuaries, which confirmed that it was Garlington’s brain and that a mistake had occurred. The family returned the box, which was found to be inappropriately shipped and not properly documented. An investigation by the state board overseeing funeral practices reportedly found that the funeral home responsible was not at fault, though official documents are pending.
Both funeral homes are accused of negligent mishandling and causing emotional distress through reckless actions. The lawsuit emphasizes that such mishandling is against standard procedures, which call for biological tissues to be sealed and clearly labeled.
Garlington was buried at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. His parents remain uncertain whether his brain was buried with his body, and they are seeking justice and answers. They also hope the case will serve as a warning to prevent similar mishandling in the future.
The incident has deeply affected the family, with Lawrence Butler stating he had to discard his car due to the smell, a haunting reminder of their ordeal.