Number of Improperly Stored Bodies Grows to Nearly 200 in ‘Green’ Colorado Funeral Home Investigation

A "green" Colorado funeral home that improperly stored bodies had more decomposing bodies at the facility than originally reported, investigators have found.

The Return to Nature Funeral Home near Colorado Springs had at least 189 decomposing bodies, up from the 115 previously announced, authorities said Tuesday. All bodies were taken from the funeral home Friday and sent to the El Paso County Coroner's Office. 

The total number of recovered bodies could fluctuate, investigators said. Identification and investigative procedures are ongoing and began after complaints of a "putrid" odor earlier in October.

"While the investigation for this incident continues, we also remain focused on the impacted families," Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said. "We want to do all we can to provide the families the support they need as we shift to the next phase in this process."

Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said it could take several months to identify the decedents and notify their families.

"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," Keller said.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said that families who believes they have been impacted and have more questions can send an email to the FBI at penrosefuneralhome@fbi.gov.

The funeral home’s website lists the names of those who have been memorialized, with the last ones in August of this year.

The business offered green burials as "a natural way of caring for your loved one with minimal environmental impact. Green Burial aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions and the preservation of habitat, WITHOUT the use of harsh embalming chemicals, metallic, plastic or unnatural items," according to its website.

The practice is legal in Colorado. Bodies not buried within 24 hours must be stored with proper refrigeration, according to state code.