Funeral workers discover elderly Czech woman alive in coffin

Authorities in Pilsen have launched a criminal investigation after a woman initially declared dead by a coroner was later found to be breathing by funeral home staff.

The incident occurred Friday morning after emergency services responded to a call regarding an elderly woman, born in 1937. Following protocol for suspected death, the case was referred to a coroner. The coroner then declared the lady dead. However, later that morning, workers from a funeral service discovered signs of respiratory activity in the woman.

"Another call from her home said that workers detected signs of respiratory activity," said Martin Štěpán, spokesman for the regional emergency services. "Emergency medical crews were dispatched to the scene, and the woman received basic life support before being transported to a hospital."

Police have initiated proceedings on suspicion of “failure to provide assistance,” though no charges have been filed. The teaching hospital where the woman was taken told authorities: “It’s a sensitive matter, we will not comment on the case.”

The coroner services provider, 1. Koronerská, expressed regret over the incident. “Investigations are underway and appropriate personnel measures have been taken,” the company said in a statement. “A review of the control systems of mutual cooperation between participating entities is also now planned.”

The company added that its doctors have conducted hundreds of thousands of examinations, noting that in three past instances, its physicians identified vital signs in presumed deceased individuals and called emergency services after.

A police investigation remains ongoing.