Initial Declaration
The bizarre incident began with the unfortunate circumstances of Walter Williams, a 78-year-old farmer and grandfather, who was admitted to hospice care
due to congestive heart failure. Medical professionals, unable to detect a pulse around 9 p.m., pronounced him dead later that evening. Consequently, his body was transported to Porter and Sons Funeral Home in Lexington, Mississippi, setting the stage for an unprecedented event. The staff at the funeral home, unaware of the impending twist, began the preparation process, including placing Williams in a body bag, and moving him to the embalming room.
Unexpected Awakening
Everything changed at the funeral home, just before the embalming was scheduled. According to Holmes County Coroner Dexter Howard, the staff noticed an unusual movement from the body. He recounted that Williams' legs started to move, and he began to breathe slightly. The team instantly removed him from the body bag and rushed him back to the hospital. Howard would later reflect that every case is a learning experience, but this particular incident reinforced the notion that miracles do happen.
Family's Reaction
Eddie Hester, Williams' nephew, was present earlier that night and witnessed his uncle being placed in the body bag at 10:30 p.m. At 2:30 a.m., he received a shocking call from his cousin, informing him that Walter was still alive. This news sent shockwaves through the family. The coroner revealed that the family was left in a state of disbelief upon learning about the situation. Williams' daughter, Martha Lewis, recounted how her father seemed revitalized when he spoke again, expressing the family's gratitude for the unexpected extension of his life.
Possible Explanations
Coroner Dexter Howard suggested that Williams’ pacemaker may have briefly stopped and then restarted, potentially explaining the situation. Funeral director Byron Porter, who was present at the funeral home, shared a similar theory. As they were preparing to move Williams to the embalming table, they noticed movement and activity. This explanation provided a possible rationale for the extraordinary event, offering some clarity amidst the confusion.
Final Goodbye
Tragically, Williams survived only a little over two weeks after the startling incident. On March 13, 2014, he was pronounced dead again, due to further complications with his heart. His nephew, Eddie Hester, confirmed the news this time. Looking back on the situation, Hester described the extra time they had with Williams as a two-week miracle. When the same coroner and funeral home director returned to confirm his death a second time, the family responded with a mixture of disbelief and dark humor, highlighting the incredible nature of the entire situation.
