A 76-year-old woman in Ecuador was found to be alive in her coffin at her own wake.
Bella Montoya was admitted to hospital on Friday 9th June 2023 in the city of Babahoyo following a suspected stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Despite efforts to resuscitate her, she did not respond, leading a doctor on duty to pronounce her deceased, according to statements from Ecuador’s health ministry.
Following the doctor’s declaration, Montoya’s body was placed in a coffin and transported to a funeral parlour, where her family held a vigil for her planned burial.
However, during the wake, approximately five hours later, Montoya surprised mourners by displaying signs of life.
She was observed gasping for air while lying in an open coffin, as captured in a video taken by one of the attendees.
Montoya’s son, Gilbert Balberán, described the moment when he realised his mother was still alive, recounting how she began moving her hand, opening her eyes and mouth, and struggling to breathe.
Firefighters were called to the scene and quickly transported Montoya back to the hospital where she had been pronounced dead.
Following the incident, Montoya’s son shared with Ecuadorean media that his mother was admitted to the intensive care unit and remained in critical condition, according to doctors.
This led to a government investigation into the hospital’s handling of Montoya’s case, aiming to determine the circumstances surrounding her misdiagnosis and subsequent revival.
