Funeral Home Mishap: Brain Found in Laundry

A San Jose family has filed a lawsuit against Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, alleging a shocking mishandling of their deceased son's remains. Alexander Piñon, 27, died on May 19, 2025, and his family arranged for a full-service memorial. When his father went to collect his son's clothing, he was given a biohazardous bag, which he later discovered contained human brain matter in his washing machine.

The family asserts they were unaware that a cranial autopsy had been performed or that any part of their son's brain had been removed. After informing the funeral director, the father was allegedly asked to return the bag containing the brain matter without a proper explanation. The lawsuit details further alleged negligence, including the organ being left unattended for months.

Service Corporation International, the parent company of the funeral home, has declined to comment due to the active litigation. The family plans to proceed with the lawsuit, aiming to have their son's remains properly reunited. Their attorney expressed the profound and lasting trauma this incident has inflicted upon the grieving parents.