Crisis Staff Witness ‘Unforgivable Scene’ at Convicted Undertaker’s Funeral Home

This article includes accounts that may be upsetting to some readers. Kevin Curreri, managing director of Kenyon Emergency Services, labeled the condition at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull as an “unforgivable scene of entirely human making.” The crisis team was called to the site following an investigation into the handling of remains by Robert Bush, a convicted undertaker.

Humberside Police removed 35 bodies and the ashes of 167 individuals from Legacy’s premises on Hessle Road in March 2024, citing concerns about the care of the deceased. The BBC uncovered that Bush had stored over 1,000 personal items—such as love letters, baby clothes, and treasured belongings—alongside the remains. These objects were not placed in coffins for burials or cremations but were instead left in disarray.

Reuniting Families with Sentimental Items

Curreri’s team, usually deployed after natural disasters or terrorist incidents, was assigned to help families reclaim items collected by Bush. A former police officer, Curreri described Bush’s “intentional negligence” as deeply troubling. “Possessions were either tossed into corners or bundled with trash, not prepared for final rites,” he noted, comparing the scene to a hoarder’s home filled with garbage bags.

Despite prior experience with major events like the Grenfell Tower fire and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the team was stunned by the discovery of items “that reminded them of their own families.” Some staff requested to avoid working on the Legacy project after seeing baby clothes and other personal mementos. Curreri emphasized the “disrespectful treatment” of human remains and belongings, calling it a “significant breach of trust.”

Unclaimed Items and Calls for Regulation

Curreri’s company was appointed by Hull City Council in April 2024 after the police released the site. The team transported items to its Reading headquarters, where they were cataloged for families to identify and claim. “We worked against the clock to return items before second funerals,” he explained, highlighting efforts to restore dignity and respect.

However, some objects remained unclaimed. Curreri noted the volume of items far exceeded expectations, given the 35 bodies and 167 ashes removed. These unclaimed belongings will stay in storage until further guidance from the council is provided.

MP Condemns Lack of Industry Oversight

Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, called the situation “unforgivable” and stressed the need for funeral industry regulations. “Without serious oversight, this could happen again,” she warned. In November 2024, the government confirmed it was reviewing the sector after a Legacy victim’s family campaigned in Westminster.

Robert Bush, the sole individual charged, admitted 30 counts of unlawful burial denial and one theft charge involving charity funds. Last October, he also confessed to 36 fraud charges, including selling fake funeral policies to 172 people. The court granted him conditional bail, with sentencing for all 67 charges set for 27 July.

“It was like a hoarder’s house with garbage bags everywhere… a mess,” said Curreri.