Famous Exhumations, In its article, “Scientists to exhume remains of Danish astronomer,” dated February 5, 2010, USA Today says that Prague City Hall has approved the request of a group of Danish scientists-that they be permitted to exhume the body of famous 15th century astronomer Tyco Brahe to determine cause of death. The newspaper informs us legend has it Brahe died of a bladder infection. They further state he could have died of a kidney disease or mercurial poisoning.
Some might question the importance of such “research.” Does it really matter now what Tyco Brahe died from? Since there is no accusation of murder, is it necessary to do this? Even if he was murdered, is there a suspect? Could the suspect be brought to justice in a court of law? Is there really that much difference between dying of a bladder infection or dying of kidney disease?
Other famous persons have been exhumed from interment. Among them were Ivan the Terrible. It was discovered that at least part of Ivan’s madness was likely due to the medical practice of the day, when using mercury was considered good medicine.
Nine bodies buried at Ekaterinburg in Russia were exhumed, to determine if Tsar Nicholas and his family had at last been found.
Sometimes the exhumation was to bury a famous person elsewhere-perhaps to “honor” them by burial at a different location-or at the family’s request.
The corpse of famous film star and comedian Charlie Chaplin was stolen to get money from the family for its “safe” return. The criminals were apprehended; the body was recovered and re-interred under concrete to prevent further efforts of the sort. Similar efforts were made to obtain the remains of Abraham Lincoln. Elvis Presley was “privileged” to experience the same treatment. Both Abe and Elvis were then buried beneath concrete.
Not finding out until later that he had died nearly broke, actor Sammy Davis Jr.’ wife had his remains exhumed to remove some $70,000 in jewelry buried on his person.
Famous outlaw Jesse James was exhumed for DNA testing to make sure it was he who was buried in his casket. It was, in fact, Jesse.
There were many other exhumations, famous and infamous. Among them may be listed Bach, Betsy Ross, Zachary Taylor, John Wycliffe, John Wilkes Booth, Al Capone, Christopher Columbus, and Che Guevera. Oh! One more to mention-Haile Selassie I was buried beneath a latrine. His body was removed in 1992. He was officially reburied in November of 2000.
In the U.S., most courts no longer allow exhumation, except in cases of “substantial and compelling reasons.”
