Short Stuff: Frozen Dead Guy | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Short Stuff,” the hosts discuss the fascinating story of the Frozen Dead Guy, a preserved body that has become the centerpiece of a unique festival. From cryonics to legal loopholes, this episode explores the strange journey of Brado Morstle’s frozen body.

Main Takeaways

The Origins of Cryonics

• Cryonics is the practice of preserving bodies or brains in extremely low temperatures with the hope of future reanimation.
• Trig V, the grandson of Brado Morstle, was interested in cryonics and wanted to preserve his grandfather’s body.
• Cryonics facilities offer the option to preserve either the head or the whole body.

The Frozen Dead Guy Festival

• Trig V built a cryonic structure in Nederland, Colorado, to house his grandfather’s frozen body.
• The town of Nederland capitalized on the story and created the Frozen Dead Guy Festival, turning it into a celebration.
• The festival attracted attention from around the world and became a unique event.

Legal Loopholes and Controversies

• Trig V’s libertarian views and the lack of clarity on the town’s position allowed his grandfather’s frozen body to remain in Nederland, despite a new ordinance.
• Bo Shaffer took care of the frozen body for 30 years, showing remarkable dedication.
• The shed housing the body needed repairs, and the local rock radio station and Tough Sheds company donated a new shed, garnering good press.

Summary

The Origins of Cryonics

In the late 1980s, Brado Morstle, an unremarkable man from Norway, was preserved after his death by his grandson, Trig V. Trig V was fascinated by cryonics and wanted to preserve his grandfather’s body for potential future reanimation. Cryonics facilities offer the option to preserve either the head or the whole body, and Trig V chose to preserve the whole body. He arranged for Brado to be shipped from Oslo to Oakland, California, where he was preserved in a cryonics facility for three years.

The Frozen Dead Guy Festival

After facing legal issues in California, Trig V built a cryonic structure in Nederland, Colorado, initially illegally. In 1993, he moved his grandfather’s body to the Nederland setup, which was a step down in quality. The town of Nederland embraced the story and turned it into the Frozen Dead Guy Festival, a celebration that attracted attention from around the world. Trig V’s libertarian views and the town’s lack of clarity on its position allowed his grandfather’s frozen body to be grandfathered in, despite a new ordinance.

Legal Loopholes and Controversies

Bo Shaffer, a local resident, took care of the frozen body for 30 years, showing remarkable dedication. The shed housing the body needed repairs, and the local rock radio station and Tough Sheds company got involved in donating a new shed, garnering good press for both. Over the years, the festival was sold to a private entity, leading to a decline in its appeal and spirit. The frozen corpse was eventually moved to the Stanley Hotel and is now exhibited by a cryonics company. There is speculation about the future resting place of Brado, generating curiosity and anticipation.

Conclusion

The story of the Frozen Dead Guy is a bizarre and captivating tale that combines cryonics, legal loopholes, and a unique festival. It highlights the human fascination with the possibility of life after death and the lengths some people will go to preserve their loved ones. The Frozen Dead Guy Festival continues to intrigue visitors from around the world, keeping the legacy of Brado Morstle alive.