Why so many bodies go unclaimed in the Philly suburbs

Hundreds of unclaimed dead are lying in morgues and unmarked graves in the Philly suburbs. Who are they and why is no one claiming their remains?

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The remains of Clarkson

The remains of Clarkson "Sparky" Gromis from 1988 at the coroner's office Friday, March 9, 2018 in Norristown. [Bill Fraser/Bucks County Courier Times]

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Hundreds of unclaimed dead are lying in morgues and unmarked graves in the Philly suburbs. Jo Ciavaglia, an investigative reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times, has been digging for answers about who they are, why no one is claiming their remains — and how some coroners are going above and beyond to help them find a final resting place.

Click here to to read more from Ciavaglia and reporter James McGinnis’ series “Unclaimed.”

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