Brief
Daughter sues South Carolina funeral home after stranger found in mother’s casket
The lawsuit claims the funeral home’s error caused severe emotional distress for the family.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In Horry County, South Carolina, Iris Gordon filed a lawsuit on Oct. 9 alleging Ocean View Funeral Home placed an unidentified body in her mother Iris Evans’ casket during an open‑casket viewing.
What happened
Gordon signed a $13,820 contract with Ocean View for a wake and graveside service after Evans, 87, died in January. On Jan. 30, more than 20 family members attended the viewing and discovered a stranger dressed in Evans’ black‑and‑gold African attire, scarf, hat and wig inside the casket.
What the reports add
The complaint states that Gordon had given funeral home owner Atu Williams the clothing intended to create a “long‑lasting final image” of Evans. After the discovery, staff allegedly acknowledged the mistake and scheduled a second open‑casket viewing two hours later, during which Evans’ body was found wearing the same clothing.
What was said
The lawsuit quotes Gordon as “devastated” by the incident, describing humiliation, embarrassment and emotional breakdown. Gordon’s attorney, Benjamin Baroody, is listed in the filing but did not respond to further inquiries.
How it came about
The case follows earlier funeral‑home mishandling lawsuits covered by Felo, such as the September 25 claim over contaminated clothing from a Tennessee funeral home.
Key facts
- Iris Gordon filed a lawsuit alleging Ocean View Funeral Home placed an unknown body in her mother’s casket. (nypost.com)
- The contract with the funeral home was for $13,820 and covered a wake and graveside service. (nypost.com)
- The incident occurred during an open‑casket viewing on Jan. 30, 2026, in Horry County, South Carolina. (nypost.com)
- Gordon’s attorney is Benjamin Baroody. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Horrified daughter says South Carolina funeral home put stranger in her mom’s casket: lawsuit”
