A British family is seeking answers after a man died while on holiday in Cyprus and returned home without his heart. The family says they were never informed that his organ had been removed, and authorities are now investigating the case.
The man, identified as 76 year old Michael Graley, became unwell while vacationing with his wife and family. His wife, Yvonne, told The Sun that he experienced severe cramping in his leg before being taken to a nearby hospital. Within minutes of arriving, doctors informed the family that he had died.
Heart missing during second post mortem
Documents sent with Michael’s body did not list a cause of death. The family believed a post mortem had already been performed in Cyprus, but no official findings were included. A second examination was then carried out in the United Kingdom at the Rochdale Coroners’ Office, where staff told the family that Michael’s heart was missing.
“They said someone had removed Michael’s heart and so they cannot determine a cause of death,” Yvonne said. “I was so shocked. It was horrible.” The coroner reportedly told the family they cannot confirm how he died until the organ is located.
Authorities in Cyprus told the family that Michael’s heart had been sent for medical analysis. However, the family says no one informed them or asked for consent. The case remains under review by local officials and the coroner. Inquiry procedures in similar situations can be found through the UK Ministry of Justice.
Not the first case reported
The incident is not isolated. Another case involving a missing organ occurred earlier this year after a 28 year old woman named Beth Martin died while on holiday in Turkey. Her family said that when her body returned to the United Kingdom, her heart was not present. Her family publicly raised concerns online, stating they were not notified or asked for permission.
Officials in Turkey denied the organ had been removed and later reported her cause of death as cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure. The situation drew public attention and prompted calls for clear procedures when foreign deaths involve autopsies.
Search for accountability continues
Michael’s family says they are devastated and frustrated by unanswered questions. They hope to recover his heart so that a final determination can be made. Rochdale Coroners’ Office confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case. International repatriation and post mortem policies vary by country, and additional guidance can be found through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at gov.uk.
The family says they want transparency, communication, and a clear explanation of why the organ was removed without notice. The investigation remains ongoing.