76-Year-Old Woman Declared Dead Twice Prompts Government Investigation

A 76-year-old woman in Ecuador has prompted a government investigation after she was declared dead at a hospital, only to surprise her relatives by knocking on her coffin during her wake.

Retired nurse Bella Montoya had been taken to the Hospital Marlin Icaza de Babahoyo after suffering a suspected stroke and cardiac arrest. When the doctor on duty declared her dead, mourners gathered for her funeral. However, they were startled to hear strange noises coming from inside the coffin.

Relatives left the coffin behind and rushed Montoya back to the hospital. She did not respond to resuscitation and was declared dead a second time.

In response to the incident, a technical committee has been formed to review how the hospital issues death certificates. The Ecuadorian health ministry has also launched an investigation into the incident.

Montoya’s son, Gilberto Barbera, told the Associated Press that his mother was unconscious when her family took her to the hospital. He said he was grateful that his mother was given a second chance at life.

The incident has raised questions about the accuracy of death certificates issued by the hospital. It has also highlighted the importance of double-checking medical diagnoses and ensuring that proper procedures are followed.