A record number of Detroit's bodies go unburied

According to the Times Online, the city of Detroit in Michigan is unable to bury many of its citizens' bodies. According to the article, "in recent months the number of unclaimed bodies has reached a record high." Due to the economic downturn, Detriot is facing a 28% unemployment, which is higher than even the worst times in the Great Depression. Many people cannot even affort to bury their loved ones.

With the falling sales of car giants Chrysler, GM, and Ford, Detroit's economy is continuing to decline. According to the article, "Unburied bodies tell the tale of Detriot - A City in despair," the number of unbured bodies has reached a record high in the city, peaking at 70 earlier this year. The mortuary states that many of the decedents have died of natural causes, which supports the theory that people who could not afford health insurace for their loved ones still lack the funds to bury them.

The article states that the $21,000 budget to bury Detroit's unburied bodies has ran out in June. Recently, local charities have donated $8,000 to help bury the bodies which has lowered the number to only 55 who wait to be interred.

Resources

Reid, Tim. "Unburied bodies tell the tale of Detroit - a city in despair." Times Online 21 Nov 2009: n. pag. Web. 21 Nov 2009. <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6926247.ece>.

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