In February 2010 one of the original founders of Suspended Animation, Inc., and long time member of Alcor, David Hayes, suffered a seizure at his home in Florida. As the seizure was witnessed, 911 was called and David was taken to the local Emergency Department. He was pronounced when efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Due to David’s youthful age of 46, his clinical death was referred to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s office. Alcor initially tried to prevent the autopsy from occurring, however the medical examiner said he was obligated under the law to perform the autopsy unless the court said otherwise. Through legal counsel, Alcor was successful in negotiating with the courts to allow for a virtual autopsy to be performed in place of the typically more invasive procedure. After a CT scan was performed and the medical examiner was satisfied with the results, they agreed to release the body to Suspended Animation, who was working on Alcor’s behalf.

Since three and a half days had elapsed from the time David was pronounced until Alcor received custody of the body, it was decided that a dry ice shipment through commercial airlines was the best option. Suspended Animation made the arrangements, prepared the shipment and David arrived in Scottsdale the following day. David Hayes (A-1712L) became Alcor’s 92nd patient.

See full case report.