To: Members of Congress, USPS Leadership, State Legislators

We, the undersigned, urge lawmakers to introduce and pass the Crystal McCrory Law, ensuring that the mailing of human remains follows strict procedures, and violations result in legal consequences.

Why This Law is Needed:

 • Currently, improper handling of human remains via mail lacks sufficient penalties, leading to instances of loss, damage, and desecration.

 • Families should have assurance and dignity when mailing the remains of their loved ones.

 • The USPS already has guidelines in place, but there is no enforceable legal penaltyfor those who violate them.

What This Law Will Do:

 • Mandate strict penalties for individuals or businesses failing to comply with mailing procedures.

 • Require USPS and other carriers to track and verify human remains shipments.

 • Establish a complaint system for affected families and a legal pathway for restitution.

We call on Congress and state lawmakers to take action and ensure no

Crystal McCrory's Law: A Call for Accountability and Dignity in Handling Cremated Remains

Crystal’s tragic passing was only the beginning of her family’s heartbreak. Her son, grieving and seeking closure, was forced to endure yet another injustice—the mishandling of his mother’s remains.

When he received the package containing what was supposed to be his mother’s ashes, he was met with a shocking and undignified sight. The ashes were not properly packaged, arriving in an old brown box that bore no resemblance to the respect a departed soul deserves. Worse yet, upon opening the urn, he discovered a disturbingly small amount of loose ashes, accounting for only about a quarter of what should have been there. There was no documentation to verify the identity of the remains.

Seeking answers, the family contacted the crematory, only to be informed that any properly handled cremation would include at least four different forms of documentation. These forms ensure that if remains are divided, proper records follow each portion. The absence of this paperwork raised immediate red flags.

Further investigation revealed even more negligence. The ashes had been mailed as if they were nothing more than an ordinary package, like a household appliance or a book. The sender had only insured the package for $100, as if a price could be placed on a human life. Additionally, the Oak Grove post office had not been informed that the parcel contained cremated human remains, a clear violation of postal regulations.

Upon discovering these violations, the family immediately contacted the United States Postal Inspection Service, which launched an active investigation into the matter. The actions of the sender—Mr. Jones—showed a blatant disregard for the protocols designed to ensure the respectful and secure transport of cremated remains.

This devastating experience has exposed a critical gap in the accountability of individuals and those entrusted with handling human remains. Families should never have to endure such indignities in the wake of losing a loved one. In response, Crystal’s family is advocating for Crystal’s Law, a legislative initiative aimed at enforcing strict regulations on the transportation and handling of cremated remains.

Under Crystal’s Law:

Funeral homes and crematories must provide standardized documentation for all cremated remains, ensuring proper identification at all times.
Individuals who send cremated remains must follow strict packaging and labeling procedures to prevent mishandling.
Postal services must be notified when handling cremated remains to ensure they are transported with dignity and care.
Violations of these regulations will result in significant penalties to prevent future negligence.
Crystal’s story is not just a personal tragedy—it is a call to action. No family should have to experience such negligence and disrespect. With Crystal’s Law, we can ensure that all departed loved ones receive the dignity they deserve, even in death.

We call on Congress and state lawmakers to take action and ensure no family ever suffers the loss or mishandling of their loved one’s remains again.