Mellette v. Trinity Memorial Cemetery, Inc.

NORTHCUTT, Judge.

Trinity Memorial Cemetery disinterred the body of Adam Kellerman-Pate at the request of his mother, Joni Pate, and sent it for reburial in Texas, where Ms. Pate resided. The removal of Adam’s body was done without the knowledge or permission of his widow, Priscilla Mellette. She sued Trinity for damages based on theories of tortious interference with a dead body and reckless infliction of emotional distress. On Trinity’s motion, the circuit court entered summary judgment in its favor. We reverse and remand for further proceedings.

The discovery depositions taken in this case…