Demolition of Return to Nature Funeral Home complete

(PENROSE, Colo.) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said demolition of the Return to Nature Funeral Home, where nearly 200 bodies were discovered in October 2023, was completed over the weekend.

In an update, the EPA said the demolition was completed on Saturday, April 20, after extensive mitigation and disinfecting operations were conducted to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The EPA said the building materials and the foundation were disinfected, demolished, and transferred off-site for disposal.

  • Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency
    Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Demolition of Return to Nature Funeral Home
    Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Demolition of Return to Nature Funeral Home
    Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Demolition of Return to Nature Funeral Home
    Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Return to Nature Funeral Home begins demolition
    Courtesy: FOX21 News Reporter, Cindy Centofanti

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Return to Nature Funeral Home begins demolition

In a photo attached to the update, you can see the leveled ground where the building once stood, and a small memorial to the victims in the foreground.

Penrose demolition complete, memorial at site
Courtesy: Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA said the foundation was replaced with clean soil. The demolition work began on Monday, April 15, and was completed within 6 days.

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