5 Stages of Death Stages of Death Fresh

5 Stages of Death

Stages of Death � Fresh � Putrefaction � Black Putrefaction � Butyric Fermentation � Dry Decay

Stage 1 - Fresh � Begins right after death � Body begins to cool down (Algor Mortis) � Autolysis › Release of enzymes within cells resulting in cellular break down

Stage 1 - Fresh � Breakdown of tissue results in attraction of insects � Typically occurs 0 -3 days after death › Under normal conditions, when body is exposed to air

Stage 2 - Putrefaction � Body begins to bloat › Bacteria begins to break down the body › Gases produced by bacteria resulting in a bloating body › Bacteria are from the colon (large intestine)

Stage 2 - Putrefaction � Abdomen and face bloats the most � Due to bloating, skin becomes thin and delicate › Skin begins to break down and slough away (skin slippage)

Stage 2 - Putrefaction � Skin goes through series of color changes › From green to brown � Rise of insect activity during this stage � Putrefaction occurs between 4 -10 days after death

Stage 3 – Black Putrefaction � Also known as “active decay” � The body bloats enough to burst › Gases inside the body are released � Internal organs are attacked by insects

Stage 3 – Black Putrefaction � Most of body mass lost mainly due to the activity of the maggots and other insects � Body’s organs will degenerate into soupy mess � Black Putrefaction occurs 10 -20 days after death

Stage 4 – Butyric Fermentation � Also known as “advance decay” � Wet stages of decomposition ends › Corpse begins to dry out � The odor associated with bacterial activity begins to dissipate

Stage 4 – Butyric Fermentation � Body becomes dry, mummified husk � Insects begin to clear out – reduced number � Body forms wax layer known as adipocere � Occurs 20 -50 days after death

Stage 5 – Dry Decay � “Skeletonization” � Internal organs largely disappeared � All moisture gone � Connective tissue rots away � Bones fall into pile – scavengers scatter bones

Stage 5 – Dry Decay � Occurs between 50 days and 1 year after death › Depends on climate � Cold conditions – can take up to 2 years � Dry and hot conditions – can take as little as 2 weeks

Rosalia Lombardo � Girl died in 1920 � Casket opened in 1995 � Body never decomposed › Believed to have been embalmed