Man returns human ashes found at the beach

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A Massachusetts man trying to enjoy a book at the beach got quite the surprise when he found a box containing human ashes.

George Silva told The Standard-Times that he found the box wedged in the rocks in New Bedford on Tuesday. Inside was a bag that had the name and number of a New Jersey crematorium.

He called, and was told the ashes were from a cremation performed three years ago in Elizabeth, N.J..

Silva was told someone must have accidentally dropped the box while trying to dump the ashes of a loved one into the ocean.

He saw the discovery as an opportunity to be a good Samaritan. He brought the ashes to a local cemetery Thursday, and they will be returned to New Jersey.

Upcoming Events