Queens family sues funeral home for sending body abroad incorrectly

In May 2024, a family from Queens, New York, faced a distressing situation when their loved one, Carmen Maldonado, passed away. They had arranged for her remains to be sent to Ecuador for burial, as per her wishes to be laid to rest next to her grandfather. However, due to a mix-up at the Rivera Funeral Home, her body was mistakenly sent to Guatemala instead. The family learned of this error through a TikTok news report, which added to their anguish. Despite the funeral home's apology, the family struggled to have the body transported from Guatemala to Ecuador, having to repeatedly plead with the funeral home for assistance. They also incurred additional costs to ensure that Maldonado's body remained preserved during this ordeal. Carlos Minchala, her son, traveled to Guatemala to retrieve her casket, experiencing a painful reminder of their loss. The family has decided to take legal action against the funeral home, believing that others may have faced similar issues but refrained from pursuing legal recourse due to financial constraints or immigration status. Their lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress and breach of contract, highlighting the need for accountability in such sensitive matters. This case underscores the importance of proper handling of remains by funeral homes and the potential emotional toll on families during an already difficult time. The family's experience raises awareness about the challenges faced by immigrant families in navigating funeral services in the United States.