A Man Whose Mother Was Found Among 189 Decaying Bodies Tells the Story

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/ethics/119794...

Published: Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:36:11 -0500

Derrick Johnson buried his mother's ashes under a tree near his Maui home in 2023, fulfilling her wish to be laid to rest overlooking her grandchildren.[1][2] The mother was found among 189 decomposing bodies in a funeral home.[1] Johnson received a call from the FBI a year later.[2] He buried her ashes under a golden rose tree with purple flowers on the slopes of Haleakalā volcano.[1] In doing so, he fulfilled her wish for a place with a view of her grandchildren.[1][2] The funeral home issued fake ashes to families.[1]