Twenty-four years later, the Alcor organization, which performs cryonic preservation, opened Bedford’s body to examine its condition. They found that the preservation was quite successful. His face appeared younger than his 73 years, with his nose and mouth emitting the scent of blood. While some areas of his chest and neck had discoloration and his corneas had turned a chalky white due to the freezing, overall, his body had been well-preserved. Technicians then re-wrapped Bedford in a new sleeping bag and immersed him once again in liquid nitrogen, leaving him to await the future.
Now, more than 50 years after the time that was hoped to be the moment of revival, Bedford remains preserved—still a “mummy.”
Robert Nelson, one of the three scientists who performed the cryonic procedure, recalled Bedford’s final words: “I want you to understand that I did not do this with the thought that I would be revived. I did this in the hope that one day my descendants will benefit from this wonderful scientific solution.”
