James Bedford, a World War I veteran, since his death in 1966, has been encapsulated in enough liquid nitrogen to keep his body frozen at about -320° F. This week marks the 50th year anniversary of his deep freeze, making him the oldest “deanimated” individual on earth. In 1991, twenty-five years after his death, Alcor Life Extensions Foundation, the company storing Bedford’s body, checked on his condition and found “a well-developed, well-nourished male who appears younger than his 73 years,” deeming his condition good. Bedford’s body along with 146 others in the facility will remain frozen indefinitely with ongoing financial support to sustain their current state.
See After 50 Years, Frozen WWI Veteran’s Body Awaits Reanimation, Fox News, January 18, 2017.
