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Topics: US News
Joe Yates
A grieving son got stuck underneath his father's casket after it fell on top of him when the platform circling the grave collapsed.
Benjamin Aviles Jr., 61, died suddenly on March 21 following complications with his heart, leaving his mourning family stunned and trying to come to grips with the Puerto Rican's passing.
His funeral took place a week later (March 28), and while the pallbearers were laying him to rest at Greenmount Cemetery, in North Philadelphia, the burial site in which they were standing on fell into Aviles' final resting place.
His stepdaughter, Maribelle Rodriguez, told ABC7: "It was just a horrible incident that happened at a bad moment."
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The men that took a tumble into the pit suffered injuries to their legs, hands and backs, although his Aviles' son - also named Benjamin - took a blow to the head with his father's casket lying on him.
Rodriguez added: "The casket lay on top of him, and he was out like a light with his face in the mud."
The funeral was co-ordinated through Rodriguez Funeral Home, which explained how Aviles met the 'love of his life' - Gloria Acevedo - whom he settled down with and made their home in northeast Philadelphia.
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It wrote: "Born on August 30, 1963, in Lares, Puerto Rico, to Sara Antonia Aleman de Aviles and Benjamin Aviles, Benjamin built a life defined by hard work, deep love for his family, and unwavering dedication. He spent 27 years as a valued employee at Cardone Industries before continuing his career with the Menasha Corporation.
"A man of many talents, Benji had a natural gift for working on cars. Entirely self-taught, there wasn’t a car problem he couldn’t fix. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling with his beloved wife, and cheering on his favorite sports - especially boxing and football."
Rodriguez Funeral Home continued: "Benji was a devoted husband, a loving father to his son, a caring father figure to his stepdaughters, a treasured grandfather to his four grandchildren, and a dear friend to many.
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"He was a man of great integrity, strength, and endless love for his family. His kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.
"Though his absence leaves a void, his memory will forever live on in the stories we share and the love he gave so freely."
However, Aviles' stepdaughter has slammed the funeral home for the burial.
Rodriguez told the outlet: "The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly; the wood was all wet and soaked."
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The injuries the men sustained on the day were not considered to be serious.
UNILAD has contacted Rodriguez Funeral Home for comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].