Governor Jared Polis has issued an emergency disaster declaration to help the investigation of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose.
On Friday, multiple Colorado agencies started the investigation of alleged improper storage of more than 115 bodies discovered at the Return to Nature Funeral Home following a complaint of a foul odor in the area.
The state declaration means agencies like the Division of Homeland Security can provide resources through the State Emergency Operations Center as requested.
Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller is saying the that the cleanup of the funeral home could take months. Keller added, “This is going to be a very, very lengthy process. Forensic identification through fingerprints, medical or dental records, or possibly DNA will need to be completed.” Once someone is identified, their families will be notified as soon as possible.
Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said, “Without providing too much detail to avoid further victimizing these families, the funeral home where the bodies were improperly stored was horrific.”
Investigators are encouraging clients and families that have utilized the funeral home to make contact with law enforcement. You can email them directly at 23-1941@freemontso.com. Additionally, if you or anyone you know has any information that you feel will aid the investigation, please email tips@freemontco.com.
There is also a victim’s assistance office set up at 1901 East Main in Canon City.
