A grieving family has claimed that a dead relative “got up and walked away” from his coffin to put himself to bed.
According to hospital records, Joneivis García, 31, died of pulmonary edema on 11 February.
His body was collected from the hospital by his relatives for burial.
However, the young man allegedly “got up and walked away” from his coffin in front of stunned mourners.
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García then allegedly put himself to bed for a doze, according to his aunt who also identifies as his “pastor”.
She insisted that he wasn’t dead, but simply “sleeping” and “intact”.
She told local media: “He is not dead, he is asleep and will wake up at any moment.”
This led to relatives leaving his body in his room instead of proceeding with a traditional burial in their hometown of Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
The situation came to a head when locals complained about the unbearable stench coming from the house.
Faced with an angry mob outside their home, relatives showed the empty coffin as proof of García’s alleged resurrection.
They claimed he woke up and left the casket of his own free will.
However, the situation became even more bizarre when family members claimed it was all part of God’s plan.
Before his death, God told García that he must die so divine promises to the family could be fulfilled, but not to worry as he would then be “raised from his bed”, they claimed.
The community was divided on the family’s allegations, with many believing it was a miracle and test of faith, while others were more concerned about the health issues of keeping a decomposing body inside the home.
Community leaders called for calm and respect for the family at this difficult time.
They also expressed the need to clear up the facts surrounding their claims.
In the end, Public Health authorities arrived at the scene and ordered the family to bury the body as soon as possible due to its state of decomposition.
It is unclear if they have followed the directive yet.
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