VP of Detroit funeral home found dead days after family said mother was mistakenly cremated

A Detroit funeral home executive died days after a family reported a devastating mix‑up involving their mother’s remains. Joseph Hutchison Jr., vice president of operations at Hutchison Funeral Home, was found dead on Sept. 24 inside a residence at the Harbortown complex, according to Detroit police.

Authorities said the Wayne County Medical Examiner will determine his cause and manner of death. Police also noted they did not suspect foul play at the time of discovery.

Family Says Wrong Body Appeared at Funeral Viewing

Hutchison’s death followed public allegations from the family of Kimberlly Kaye Moore, who said they arrived for her viewing and found another woman prepared in Moore’s clothing. They feared Moore had been cremated before they could see her.

Relatives said funeral home staff later suggested Moore may have been cremated after arriving alongside another woman. They said an identification tag might have fallen off, creating confusion about her remains.

The family protested outside the funeral home and demanded answers about what happened to Moore’s remains. Detroit police responded to the scene as tensions rose.

Experts Call Cremation Errors a Severe Professional Breach

Funeral industry experts said mistaken cremations represent one of the most serious failures in the profession. Dr. Mark Evely of Wayne State University told CBS Detroit News funeral homes must verify identity at every stage, including intake, preparation and final disposition.

Additionally, Michigan funeral homes are regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, with oversight from the Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science. Violations can lead to disciplinary action, though officials have not confirmed whether Hutchison Funeral Home faces an investigation.

Joseph Hutchison’s Family Requests Privacy as Community Reacts

A friend found Hutchison, 65, after checking on him at the Harbortown apartments. Police said their hearts were with the family during this difficult period.

The Hutchison family asked the public and the media to respect their privacy as they grieve. They also expressed gratitude for the support they received from the community.

Meanwhile, Moore’s relatives said they are still waiting for clarity about how the mix‑up occurred and what happened to her remains. They said the incident left them without the farewell they planned and without confirmation of where their mother’s body went.