Mixup Switches Bodies in Open Coffin, Cremation

Two men who died on the same day were mistaken for each other, leading one to be cremated in the other’s place while horrified mourners viewed the wrong man in an open coffin.

Both men died on May 9 and were taken to the morgue at Yale-New Haven Hospital with each other’s tags attached, authorities said. Both were transported from there to Sisk Brothers funeral homes in New Haven and in Hamden.

Authorities said the body of Thomas Eagan, 68, of North Haven was to have been buried May on 13 but instead was cremated. William Gormley, 73, of East Haven was to have been cremated, but his body appeared dressed in Eagan’s suit in an open coffin May 12 during calling hours at the funeral home in Hamden.