(Scypre.com) – A 76-year-old woman from Ecuador, who was declared deceased by doctors, surprised everyone when she woke up during her memorial service after five hours in her coffin.
Bella Montoya, a retired nurse, had been pronounced dead by doctors after experiencing a potential stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest. Despite their efforts to revive her, she did not respond, as reported by Ecuador’s health ministry.
The family had gathered at a funeral home to hold a wake on June 9, shortly after the doctors had declared Montoya dead, according to her son. However, the wake had to be halted when they heard a noise emanating from the coffin.
“It startled all of us,” said Gilberto Barbera, Montoya’s son, in an interview with The Associated Press. He emphasized that her condition remained critical and immediately had her transported back to a hospital.
Barbera recounted the event, saying, “There were around 20 of us there. After approximately five hours into the wake, we started hearing sounds coming from the coffin. My mother, who was wrapped in sheets, was knocking on the coffin, and as we approached, we could see that she was breathing heavily.”
Barbera mentioned that doctors speculated his mother had experienced catalepsy, a trance-like condition characterized by rigidness and decreased sensitivity to pain, which can occur as a result of cardiorespiratory arrest. According to the New York Post, breathing slows down during this state.
“My mother is currently receiving oxygen, and her heart is stable,” Barbera stated. “The doctor squeezed her hand, and she responded. They have told me that this is a positive sign, indicating that she is gradually reacting.”
Barbera expressed his fervent desire for his mother’s recovery, saying, “At this point, all I ask for is my mother’s health to improve. I want her to be alive and by my side.”
Ecuador’s health ministry informed that Montoya remained in intensive care as of Monday, and an investigation has been initiated regarding the doctors who attended to her the previous week. The focus of the inquiry will be on the hospital’s procedures for issuing death certificates.
No information regarding the doctor who prematurely declared Montoya dead has been disclosed by the health ministry.