Grieving Mom Speaks Out After Allegedly Discovering Her Dead Son in Baby Bouncer at Funeral Director’s Home: Report

Mother Shocked to Find Deceased Son at Funeral Director’s Home: Report

Zoe Ward, a mother from Yorkshire, England, was left devastated after allegedly discovering her deceased son placed in a baby bouncer at a funeral director’s property. According to a recent BBC investigation, Ward’s son Bleu had passed away due to brain damage at the Leeds General Infirmary in 2021 when he was just three weeks old. The distressing incident unfolded when Ward decided to seek assistance from Florrie’s Army, a baby loss support and funeral service, based on a recommendation from a family friend.

Florrie’s Army, founded by Amie Upton following her personal tragedy of stillbirth in 2017, offers services such as free handprints, photographs, baby clothing, and dedicated funeral ceremonies to support families coping with infant loss. However, the BBC report detailed how Ward was shocked to find her son’s body allegedly placed in a baby bouncer in the living room of Upton’s home, next to a TV playing cartoons. Ward recounted her horror at the scene, with another deceased baby reportedly on the sofa, describing it as a distressing and unsettling experience.

Following the traumatic discovery, Ward immediately sought the services of another funeral director to ensure her son’s remains were in safe and appropriate care. Recounting her distress, Ward expressed her feelings of upset and anger towards the situation, highlighting the discomfort and unease she experienced during her encounter at Upton’s residence. Upton, in response to the allegations, stated that she had only received two complaints in the eight years of operating Florrie’s Army.

West Yorkshire Police acknowledged receiving reports regarding Florrie’s Army but clarified that after thorough investigation, no criminal activities were identified in relation to the service. The police extended their sympathy towards the affected families, acknowledging the distress caused during an already challenging period. The regulation of the funeral industry in England and Wales was also brought to light, with the report highlighting the lack of oversight in how funeral directors store and handle deceased individuals under their care.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) are key regulatory bodies overseeing the industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper standards in the handling of bodies. Concerns were raised regarding Upton’s adherence to these regulations, as she was reportedly not affiliated with either regulatory body. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust clarified its stringent protocols, emphasizing that bodies were only released to authorised funeral directors from their mortuaries.

Philip Gallagher, an associated funeral director with Upton for five years, confirmed his professional relationship but refrained from commenting on the specific allegations regarding Upton’s handling of deceased infants. The trust reiterated its non-endorsement of Upton and Florrie’s Army, emphasizing the implementation of additional safeguards following concerns about the services provided by Upton. The trust assured that stringent measures were in place to safeguard the bereaved families during their times of grief and loss.

The distressing incident has shed light on the importance of stringent regulations and oversight within the funeral industry to ensure the respectful and appropriate handling of deceased individuals. Ward’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by grieving families during such challenging periods. As investigations continue into the alleged mishandling of deceased infants, the community remains vigilant in upholding standards of care and compassion for those mourning the loss of loved ones.