Valley crematory investigation leads to questions about your cremation rights

PHOENIX - What do you need to know before a loved one is cremated?

That's the question we've been in search of an answer for since an ABC15 investigation showed bodies being kept outside, and overnight in vans, at the All State Crematory in Mesa.

State law requires bodies be kept in coolers until they are cremated, and that's how bodies are stored at the Paradise Memorial Crematory in Scottsdale.

They showed us their cooler, which holds 15-17 bodies in boxes. Each box is supported individually and none are stacked on top of each other.

Bodies are not accepted at Paradise Memorial unless there is room in the cooler or unless they will be cremated immediately.

They advise that you ask your funeral home where your loved ones body will be cremated.

That way, you can make an appointment to see the facility.

You can also witness a cremation and it's actually encouraged at Paradise Memorial. They say 4-5 cremations are witnessed each month.

The Paradise crematory website shows the process for cremations by clicking on "about us" and then "tour."

If you've had any issues with a funeral home or crematory, contact me at jducey@abc15.com.

You can also contact me at facebook.com/joeducey15 .