A 74-year-old woman believed to have died while in hospice care was found to be breathing after being transported to a funeral home, authorities in Nebraska said Monday.
The woman had been transported from a nursing home, where she had been declared dead at around 9:44 a.m. local time, to the Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home in Lincoln on Monday morning, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities responded to the funeral home after an employee noticed the woman was breathing and “instantly called 911” at approximately 11:44 a.m., according to Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin.
Lancaster County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ben Houchin during a press briefing in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 3, 2024.
Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
Funeral home staff conducted CPR on the woman — identified by authorities as Constance Glantz of Lincoln — and she was transported to a local hospital, where she remains alive, Houchin said. Her family has been notified, he said.
“It’s a very unusual case,” Houchin said during a press briefing on Monday. “Been doing this 31 years and nothing like this has ever gotten to this point before.”
Because this was a case where a death was anticipated and there was nothing suspicious about her supposed death, the nursing home did not have to contact the coroner or local authorities after the woman was declared dead, Houchin said.
The sheriff’s office is investigating and no criminal charges are pending, according to Houchin.
“We have not been able to find any criminal intent by the nursing home but the investigation is ongoing,” Houchin said.
In a bizarre and shocking turn of events, a 74-year-old woman who was thought to be dead in hospice care was found alive at a funeral home. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been admitted to hospice care due to a terminal illness and was believed to have passed away.
The discovery was made when workers at the funeral home noticed that the woman was still breathing and showing signs of life. They immediately contacted emergency services, who rushed her to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
The incident has left many questioning how such a mistake could have occurred. Hospice care is typically provided to individuals who are terminally ill and nearing the end of their lives, so it is unclear how the woman was mistakenly declared dead.
Medical professionals have emphasized the importance of thorough assessments and proper protocols to ensure that such errors do not happen again in the future. It is crucial for healthcare providers to conduct thorough examinations and confirm the absence of vital signs before declaring a patient deceased.
The woman’s miraculous survival has sparked a mix of emotions among her loved ones, who had already begun mourning her loss. While they are undoubtedly relieved to have her back with them, they are also grappling with the shock and confusion of the situation.
As the woman continues to receive medical care and attention, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her misdiagnosis. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of thorough and accurate medical assessments.
In the meantime, the woman’s loved ones are grateful for the unexpected second chance to spend more time with her. This extraordinary story serves as a reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones and never take anything for granted.
