Where is the Frozen Dead Guy Now? Unpacking the Legend of Bredo Morstøl
The story of Bredo Morstøl, affectionately and somewhat morbidly known as the "Frozen Dead Guy," is one of those peculiar American tales that sticks with you. It’s a story that sparks curiosity, a touch of the macabre, and a whole lot of questions. So, where is the frozen dead guy now? The answer, in a word, is still Nederland, Colorado.
Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian immigrant, expressed a desire to be cryogenically preserved after his death, a testament to his fascination with the future and a belief in the possibility of being revived. He passed away in 1988 while visiting his daughter, Aud Morstøl, in Nederland, Colorado. In accordance with his wishes, his body was not immediately buried or cremated. Instead, it was taken to a shed behind his daughter's home, where it was kept in a state of suspended animation, packed in dry ice.
The Discovery and the Legend Takes Hold
The bizarre situation came to light in 1995 when Aud Morstøl was evicted from her home. Local authorities, responding to the eviction, discovered Bredo’s body. The initial reaction was shock and confusion, but as the story unfolded, it captivated the town of Nederland and then the nation. The image of a man, preserved in ice, waiting for a future he believed in, became a local legend and an international curiosity.
The Role of the Town and the Community
Nederland, a small mountain town known for its quirky spirit and its appreciation for the unusual, embraced the story. The town itself became synonymous with the "Frozen Dead Guy." For a time, the shed was a tourist attraction of sorts, drawing visitors eager to glimpse the site of this unique tale. Aud Morstøl, initially facing legal battles over the body, eventually received permission from the county coroner to keep her father’s body on her property, provided it was properly maintained.
Maintaining the Preservation
Keeping Bredo Morstøl in a state of frozen preservation was a logistical challenge. For years, Aud Morstøl and a dedicated group of locals, often referred to as the "Snow Angels," would regularly bring truckloads of dry ice to the shed to maintain the sub-zero temperatures. This communal effort highlighted the unique bond the town felt with Bredo’s story and its desire to fulfill his last wishes.
The Boettcher Foundation and the Transfer
The long-term preservation of Bredo Morstøl's body became increasingly difficult. In 2017, a significant turning point occurred. The Boettcher Foundation, a Denver-based organization, stepped in to assist. Through their efforts and with the cooperation of the county, Bredo's body was moved from the shed to a more permanent and controlled environment. He was transferred to the Grand View Cemetery in Nederland, where he was placed in a specially constructed crypt, designed to maintain a consistent cold temperature. This move ensured his continued preservation without the daily reliance on truckloads of dry ice and the commitment of volunteers.
Where He Rests Now
So, to reiterate: Bredo Morstøl is still in Nederland, Colorado. He is not actively being cryopreserved with liquid nitrogen by a company as one might imagine with modern cryonics. Instead, his body is maintained in a state of deep cold within a specially designed facility at Grand View Cemetery. The goal remains to keep him preserved, fulfilling his lifelong wish for potential future revival, even if the scientific and ethical hurdles of such an endeavor are immense.
The legend of the "Frozen Dead Guy" continues to be a part of Nederland's identity. It’s a testament to the town's acceptance of the eccentric, the enduring power of a unique story, and the complex human desire to defy death and embrace the unknown possibilities of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was Bredo Morstøl's body preserved for so long?
Initially, Bredo Morstøl's body was preserved by his daughter, Aud, and a group of dedicated volunteers, the "Snow Angels," who regularly brought dry ice to his shed to maintain a freezing temperature. Since 2017, his body has been housed in a specially constructed crypt at Grand View Cemetery in Nederland, Colorado, designed to maintain a consistently cold environment.
Why did Bredo Morstøl want to be cryogenically preserved?
Bredo Morstøl was fascinated by the future and harbored a strong belief in the possibility of scientific advancements that could one day revive him. His desire for preservation was a reflection of this hope and his wish to experience what the future might hold.
Is he still being kept frozen with dry ice?
No, he is no longer being kept frozen solely with dry ice. While dry ice was used for many years, his body was moved in 2017 to a specialized crypt at Grand View Cemetery, which is designed to maintain a constant cold temperature, eliminating the need for constant dry ice replenishment.
Can he still be revived?
The scientific and ethical feasibility of reviving someone preserved in this manner is highly speculative and currently not possible with existing technology. His preservation is a testament to his wishes and the community's dedication, rather than a guarantee of future revival.
