Ecuadorian Woman Declared Deceased Sends Shockwaves as She Vigorously Thumps on Her Coffin During Wake

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 14, 06:53 am

Photo: (Photo : ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Image)

Mourners in Ecuador were taken aback when they heard peculiar noises emanating from a coffin during a funeral service. What seemed like a scene out of a horror movie turned out to be a shocking reality as Bella Montoya, a retired nurse who had been declared dead, was discovered to be alive and breathing. According to NBC, this astonishing incident occurred after Montoya was believed to have suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest, according to her family and officials.

Gilberto Barbera, Montoya's son, recounted the unnerving experience to The Associated Press, stating, "It gave us all a fright." He explained that his 76-year-old mother had been unconscious when the family rushed her to Hospital Martín Icaza de Babahoyo in the central city of Babahoyo. Despite attempts at resuscitation, the attending doctor declared her deceased, as confirmed by a statement from the Ecuadorian health ministry.

Family's Horror: Mysterious Noises Emanate from Coffin, Revealing Woman's Alive State

In a state of mourning, Montoya's family took her to the funeral home on the same day, but they soon heard mysterious sounds emanating from her coffin during the wake. Barbera recalled, "There were about 20 of us there. After about five hours of the wake, the coffin started to make sounds. My mom was wrapped in sheets and hitting the coffin, and when we approached, we could see that she was breathing heavily."

According to The Guardian, the startling turn of events was captured on video immediately after the shocking discovery. The footage showed a coffin resting on the floor of a modest, sparsely furnished, light-blue room, adorned with a silver crucifix and a pedestal fan. Inside the open casket, a frail-looking woman with gray hair could be seen moving her mouth while two men supported her head.

With the realization that Montoya was still alive, she was swiftly transported back to the Hospital Martn Icaza de Babahoyo. The health ministry released a statement, describing her condition as "unstable." Barbera, however, expressed concerns about her prognosis, stating that the doctors had not given them much hope.

In response to the incident, the health ministry took immediate action by forming a committee in collaboration with other government agencies to investigate the premature declaration of death. Such a mistake raises questions about the protocols and procedures followed by medical professionals and highlights the importance of ensuring accuracy in determining a person's vital signs.

Medical Mistake: Investigation Launched as Woman Mistakenly Declared Dead and Almost Buried

Ecuador's public healthcare system offers universal coverage, aiming to provide comprehensive medical services to its population. Despite being a middle-income country, Ecuador has earned recognition for its healthcare system's efficiency. The Bloomberg Health-Efficiency Index ranks it among the top 50 globally, taking into account factors such as government spending and life expectancy.

Following the shocking incident on Friday, the health ministry sought to reassure the Ecuadorian population by affirming its commitment to providing health services at all levels of care. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the need for continuous improvement in medical practices and standards.

As Montoya continues her battle for recovery, her case sheds light on the importance of accurate diagnosis, thorough examination, and vigilant monitoring in medical settings. It also prompts a broader conversation about the quality of healthcare systems worldwide and the measures in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In the wake of this extraordinary event, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and implement the necessary changes to prevent such misdiagnoses. The wellbeing and safety of patients must remain the utmost priority, ensuring that every individual receives the highest standard of care throughout their medical journey.