Korean J Leg Med.  2014 Aug;38(3):126-128. 10.7580/kjlm.2014.38.3.126.

A Rapidly Skeletonized Dead Body in Late Summer: A Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Forensic Medicine, Busan Institute, National Forensic Service, Yangsan, Korea. sanchee@korea.kr
  • 2Scientific Investigation Division, Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, Changwon, Korea.

Abstract

In the following report, we describe the case of a rapidly skeletonized corpse discovered in late summer. On the first day of September, a 57-year-old man was found almost completely skeletonized on a hill behind his house. His body lay prone, accompanied by a brush cutter at the entrance to the graveyard where his friend's parents were buried. His cap, clothes, and rubber boots were all intact and undamaged. Upon autopsy, no definite abnormalities were identified except for an old linear fracture on the frontoparietal bone. According to his friends and neighbors, he had likely died 8 or 9 days prior to the discovery of his body.

Keyword

Postmortem change; Skeletonization; Autopsy

MeSH Terms

Autopsy
Cadaver
Friends
Humans
Middle Aged
Parents
Postmortem Changes
Rubber
Skeleton*
Rubber

Figure

  • Fig. 1. The dead man was found near-completely skeletonized and laid prone with his brush cutter. His cap, clothes, and rubber boots were all intact.

  • Fig. 2. The body was near-completely skeletonized with some dried skin, muscle and cartilage.


Reference

References

1. Goff ML. Early postmortem changes and stages of decomposition. Amendt J, Goff ML, Campobasso CP, editors. ed.Current concept in forensic entomology. Dordrecht: Springer;2010. p. 18–20.
Article
2. Saukko P, Knight B. Knight's forensic pathology. 3rd ed.London: Edward Arnold;2004. p. 66–7.
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4. Spitz WU. Medicolegal investigation of death. 4th ed.Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publisher;2004. p. 114–5.
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