The death of a loved one is an incredibly sensitive time for families. It is a period filled with grief and the expectation of dignity and respect for the deceased. Unfortunately, a tragic situation has unfolded in Brooklyn, where a family is taking legal action against a funeral home. They allege that the McManus Funeral Home failed to properly care for the body of Regina Christophe, resulting in a shocking incident during her open casket service.
On June 24, 2021, 37-year-old Regina Christophe, a dedicated nurse and mother of two, passed away in her sleep. The family claims that after the funeral home received her body from the medical examiner on June 28, they did not provide the appropriate care. This led to a horrifying experience during the funeral on July 9, where a maggot allegedly emerged from Regina's eye.
Chantel Jean, Regina’s mother, described the horrific sight of her daughter's body, stating, “Her face looked like it was caved in.” This testimony highlights not only the family's grief but also their anger and disappointment towards the funeral home for what they believe was a lack of respect and professionalism.
Background of the Case
Regina Christophe's family sought to honor her memory with a proper farewell, but their experiences at the funeral home painted a different picture. After notifying the funeral home four days post her death, they scheduled the services for 11 days later, allowing family members from Florida to attend. However, the family was blindsided by what they found when they arrived to pay their respects.
When Ms. Jean finally saw her daughter's body, she was devastated. She described it as “very decomposed” and noted the unpleasant odor that filled the room. The family had expected a dignified farewell, but instead, they were met with a scene that felt more like a nightmare. They reported that her body was treated carelessly, which only added to their pain during an already difficult time.
Legal Action and Family's Response
In response to the distressing ordeal, the Christophe family has decided to take legal action against the McManus Funeral Home. Their attorney, Kurt Robertson, stated that the family was denied access to see Regina's body multiple times until the day of the funeral. This lack of transparency has only fueled their anger and desire for accountability.
The family is not only seeking justice for themselves but also raising awareness about the importance of proper care for the deceased. They hope that their experience will lead to better practices in the funeral industry, ensuring that no other family has to endure a similar experience.
Funeral Home's Statement
In light of the allegations, the McManus Funeral Home issued a statement expressing their sympathy to the family. They claimed they had used their best efforts to prepare Regina's body for viewing and maintained that she was embalmed and refrigerated. However, the family is skeptical of these claims, feeling that the treatment of their loved one was far from adequate.
As this case develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical nature of respect and professionalism in funeral services. Families should be able to trust that their loved ones will be treated with dignity after they pass away. The tragic circumstances surrounding Regina Christophe's funeral have sparked a conversation about the standards of care in the funeral industry that must be addressed.
