…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Leigh Blanning, a grieving son, has expressed his anger and disappointment towards L J Guyan undertakers after they misplaced his father’s body, causing the funeral to be canceled.
Leigh describes his experience with the company as “horrific” and feels that justice has not been served.
The Funeral Mishap:
Leigh enlisted L J Guyan’s services after his father, John Blanning, passed away in December 2022.
However, on the day of the funeral, Leigh received the devastating news that the ceremony could not proceed as planned due to a breakdown of the hearse.
As a result, mourners were directed to proceed directly to the wake, preventing them from paying their final respects to John.
The Disturbing Revelation:
Following an investigation launched by L J Guyan, it was discovered that the hearse breakdown was not the true cause of the funeral cancellation.
Shockingly, it was revealed that John Blanning’s body had been misplaced.
A report indicated that the body had been left in Bath instead of being transported to Keynsham, where the funeral director’s office was located.
Consequently, the body could not be brought to the funeral location in Bristol on time.
L J Guyan apologized for the grave error.
Emotional Toll and Bitterness:
Leigh describes the experience as the most horrific he has ever had.
Even after a couple of months, he feels that no justice has been served.
He blames himself, feeling that he let his father down, and the incident has left him bitter and angry.
Instead of celebrating his father’s life, the day became focused on discussing the unfortunate events. Leigh expresses that the impact on him has been unbearable and completely upsetting.
Background and Family Connection:
Leigh had reconnected with his father just a decade ago after being apart for 38 years.
A family member had previously worked with L J Guyan on other family funerals, leading Leigh to choose their services for his father’s ceremony.
Delay and Dissatisfaction:
The funeral, initially scheduled for January 16, 2023, had to be rescheduled later in the day, causing inconvenience to the mourners.
L J Guyan informed Leigh of the issue while he was on his way to the funeral.
The funeral directors allegedly claimed that the hearse had broken down.
They offered to rearrange the funeral for the following Friday, but many attendees could not attend the new date, resulting in a subdued occasion.
Investigation and Accountability:
Displeased with the entire experience, Leigh demanded a thorough investigation.
Months later, he received a full report, which revealed that Mr. Blanning’s body had been taken to Bath for preparation but was not returned to the funeral firm’s premises in Keynsham as it should have been.
Staff members failed to carry out necessary checks, resulting in the body still being in Bath when the hearse arrived at the Keynsham property on the day of the funeral.
The report confirmed that the earlier claim of a breakdown was untrue.
Demand for Answers:
Leigh expresses frustration with the delayed investigation and regular updates that he felt were evasive.
He simply wanted to know what had happened and why such a grave mistake occurred.
Funeral Home’s Response:
L J Guyan’s spokesperson acknowledged their failure to adhere to their procedures and policies in a professional and respectful manner.
They apologized to Leigh personally and assured ongoing support.
The company has conducted a thorough investigation and implemented changes to prevent a recurrence of such regrettable situations.