An NBC News investigation uncovered a controversial practice in Tarrant and Dallas counties in which more than 2,000 unclaimed bodies were rented to medical institutions without notifying families. The revelations prompted reforms, a parliamentary investigation and a wave of outrage from family members and officials.
The study, part of NBC’s Dealing the Dead series, found that since 2019, unclaimed bodies have been sent to the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, dissected for research, and then cremated or buried. It became clear. The county claims the arrangement saves $500,000 a year in burial and cremation costs, but reporters say efforts to contact next of kin are often inadequate or completely ignored. I discovered that.
A story of a family left in the dark
Victor Carl Haney, a 58-year-old Army veteran, was among those unclaimed. After his death in 2022, his body was dissected and transported multiple times before parts were sold for research. His son could not be reached, even though he shared his name and could be traced. NBC News finally informed the family of his death and the use of his remains, following months of grief and unanswered questions.
Similarly, Dale Leggett, who lived a reclusive life, died in Tarrant County in 2023. His younger brother, Tim, only learned about his death and the use of his body after NBC published a list of names associated with the show.
Reform after scandal
Public outcry prompted immediate reform. Tarrant County commissioners unanimously approved a new policy that requires intensive efforts to locate and notify next of kin before declaring a body unclaimed. Authorities now must submit an affidavit or make multiple contact attempts before cremation or burial. The county also enlisted bioethicist Eli Shoop, who advocated burial over cremation to respect religious preferences, but praised the new measures.
The University of North Texas shut down its “Willed Body Program” and fired those involved. Companies such as Boston Scientific and DePuy Synthes have cut ties with the center or updated their policies to ensure next-of-kin consent.
Congress demands accountability
Democratic U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Mark Vesey, who represent some of the affected counties, sent a letter to the local coroner demanding answers. They criticized the failure to notify families, especially in cases involving veterans like Honey, who are entitled to military honors. Both lawmakers have pushed for stricter oversight and reform.
Additionally, Texas Sen. Tan Parker announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit the use of unclaimed human remains in research without explicit consent.
Impact on families and ethical standards
Families like the Leggetts and the Honeys have come to an end, but the scars of their ordeals remain. NBC’s reporting led at least 21 families to learn the fate of their loved ones.
