pensioner — The body of 76-year-old British pensioner Michael Graley, who died while holidaying in Cyprus, has allegedly been returned to the UK without his heart, raising serious questions about the repatriation process.
Graley, from Greater Manchester, was reportedly visiting the island with his family when he died shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Paralimni. His wife, Yvonne, 73, shared details of the unfortunate incident, stating that a post-mortem examination was conducted in Cyprus.
According to Yvonne, when British officials reviewed the documentation, they found that the death certificate had been issued without a specified cause of death. This prompted the coroner’s office in Rochdale to request a second examination.
During this follow-up examination, it was allegedly discovered that Graley’s heart was missing, preventing the coroner from determining the cause of death. Yvonne described her feelings as “in shock” upon hearing this news.
Further complicating matters, Yvonne mentioned that Cypriot police later informed her that her husband’s heart had been sent to a research facility, a revelation that has left her seeking answers. As of Monday afternoon, police in Cyprus had not provided additional information in response to inquiries from the Cyprus Mail.
This incident highlights the potential challenges and concerns surrounding the handling of deceased individuals in foreign countries, particularly regarding the repatriation process. Families often rely on the proper management of such sensitive matters when dealing with the loss of a loved one, making this case particularly distressing for the Graley family.