Family Shocked By Funeral Home Error, Pursues Damages For Emotional Distress

Boyd Funeral Home in Camden, New Jersey, is facing a lawsuit after a family claims it mistakenly presented a stranger’s body dressed in their loved one’s clothes. Addison Jenkins, who passed in February 2023, had planned his funeral with Boyd, but his family says they were horrified to find the wrong body at a viewing.

According to the lawsuit filed on Sept. 5, the family arrived at the funeral home on Feb. 17 to inspect Jenkins’ casket before the public service. What they encountered was a body they did not recognize, dressed in Jenkins’ clothes and belongings. The family’s lawsuit describes them as “shocked, upset, confused and full of tears” upon discovering the error.

When they tried to raise the issue, the funeral director was unavailable, leaving a makeup artist to assure them that the body was Jenkins’. Despite this, the family pointed out that unique characteristics, such as a cauliflower ear and a chronic foot issue, were not present on the body in question.

The family continued to push for confirmation and received photos from the funeral director, but these images failed to address their concerns. Only on the following day, Feb. 18, were they able to confirm it was indeed Jenkins in the casket during a second viewing.

Michael Shaw, the family’s attorney, criticized the funeral home’s response, describing it as “cruel.” Shaw said the funeral home’s behavior amounted to “gaslighting,” as it continued to insist that the wrong body was Jenkins. The family is seeking damages and a jury trial to hold Boyd Funeral Home responsible for its alleged negligence.