Corpse mystery baffles Colombian town: no decay after death

In the Colombian mountain town of San Bernardo, a baffling discovery has both locals and experts scratching their heads. Clovisnerys Bejarano is often found kneeling before a glass case that displays her mother, Saturnina Torres de Bejarano, whose body has mysteriously defied decomposition for 30 years. Dressed as she was on the day of her burial, Saturnina appears almost as though she is merely sleeping, clutching a fake red carnation.

Bejarano, aged 63, described to AFP how her mother still retains her physical characteristics, “She still has her little brown face, round, her braids, her hair,” Bejarano said, standing beside the museum display that houses her mother.

For years, the town of San Bernardo has been intrigued by multiple instances of spontaneous mummification, yet the cause remains elusive. While some locals view these occurrences as acts of divine will, either as blessings or curses, others suggest that lifestyle and climate factors of the town might influence this phenomenon, though no solid evidence supports this theory yet.

The local cemetery, perched on a mountain incline, is now a site of scientific interest, where experts theorize that the unique environmental conditions inside the burial vaults might aid in preserving the bodies.

Described as oven-like, the combination of constant wind and high temperatures is thought to dehydrate the bodies, stalling the usual decomposition process, but this hypothesis still awaits scientific confirmation.

This mysterious mummification process has deeply influenced the town’s culture and folklore, infusing local narratives with stories of the preserved bodies and stirring speculation about their meaning and the nature of the afterlife.

For families like Bejarano’s, the preserved state of their relatives offers a poignant reminder of life’s enduring mysteries and the lasting ties of kinship. While some residents prefer cremation, others, like the Bejaranos, choose to maintain the bodily integrity of their deceased, holding onto their presence across generations.

As research continues, the community of San Bernardo remains captivated by the enigmatic nature of these occurrences.