She repeatedly told him he was too old for her and additionally, she was not yet divorced from her husband (Perez 1952, Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012, Meek 2017). You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. He lost time trying all doctors in town but none at home. At sixteen, she was married to Luis Mesa (1908-?) Even though you start off the story, just as all others have recounted, as being fact. July 31, 1909, marks the birthdate of Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos, the daughter of a Key West cigar maker named Francisco "Pancho" Hoyos, and his wife, Aurora. [1] Tanzler received United States citizenship in 1950 in Tampa. (p. 54). As Meek (2017) puts it, [Elena is] paradoxically at the center of this story and utterly left out. Florida, U.S., Marriage Indexes, 1822-1875 . Despite her illness, she was still an attractive young woman, and her beauty didnt go unnoticed by Tanzler. Thats a pretty harsh breakup, isnt it? In 1930, while living in Key West, Florida, her mother took her to a hospital after she had taken ill. She was diagnosed with tuberculosis (which was then incurable) and checked into a facility where she stayed with other patients suffering the same disease. We have set your language to Her name was Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos. ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, Martello Gallery-Key West Art and Historical Museum, And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, "Autopsy 6: Secrets of the Dead - The Strange Obsession of Dr. Carl Von Cosel", "The Living Doll of Key West: Elena Hoyos & Count Von Cosel", "Ep. [1], The story of Tanzler and Elena would be reproduced in pulp magazines in the years following his death, with various parties adding new details to the case. On April 22, 1930, while working at the Marine Hospital in Key West, Tanzler met Maria Elena Milagro "Helen" de Hoyos (1909-1931), a local Cuban-American woman who had been brought to the hospital for an examination by her mother. [1][8], Shortly after the corpse's discovery by authorities, Elena's body was examined by physicians and pathologists, and put on public display at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, where it was viewed by as many as 6,800 people. Nosy neighbours who peered through Carls window saw him dancing with the figure of a woman, and some thought it was a large doll. Despite everything, the statute of limitations had expired for the crime he was accused of committing, leaving Tanzler free to go. Are you visiting Key West? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Learn about one of Key West's most haunted homes. Years later he was found living in a house near the sea and through an investigation by Elena's sister, it was found that he had been living with her corpse, preserving it with oiled silk and wax to slow the decomposition. However, his wife Doris Shafer (1889 1977) and other extended family members would state that Tanzler had no royal lineage whatsoever and that his title was merely one he created himself. He was a cultured and intelligent man who had traveled across the world, to countries like Italy, India, Australia, Cuba and the Netherlands. Perez, B. Learn more about managing a memorial . . In Episode 44 of the NightMerica podcast, released 3rd February 2021, David L. Sloan gave an interview to Aaron Sagers about the story, and discusses an article he found in the Detective Cases magazine, published in 1982. Accessed 11 Feb. 2021. I own that tomb and everything that is inside, not you! (p.70). This is a carousel with slides. This time, it was unmarked so no one, including Tanzler, could find her body. [12][13] An article written by Michelfelder in 1982 tells of how renovation workers found a note allegedly written by Tanzler, confessing to have killed Elena by poisoning her:[13]. Phantom Press. Standing above him as he died was a wax figure of Maria. There, he met Cuban-American Maria Elena "Helen" Milagro de Hoyos and became instantly infatuated. She came into the hospital he worked at due to contracting tuberculosis. Von Cosel was sixty years of age,and decided that they were to have their May-December romance. Count Carl Tanzler von Cosel by Flagler / Florida KeysPublic Librariess photostream / Flickr / CC BY 2.0. Fifty years ago she appeared to me in a vision, and she promised then to be my bride. There are no photographs or other sources to prove this. [1], Though not reported contemporaneously, research (most notably by authors Harrison and Swicegood) has revealed evidence of Tanzler's necrophilia with Elena's corpse. Everyones heard the phrase until death parts us. Couples make this vow and they promise to love each other for the rest of their lives. He died of an apparent suicide in his home in July of 1952 lying next to the death mask of his beloved. His subsequent actions would be the ones that brought this story to public infamy. Loathing. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. One even died from diphtheria whilst these events were unfolding (Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012). Once she was diagnosed with tuberculosis, he took it upon himself to do whatever he could to cure her and offered services free of charge. But why? You accept the use of cookies or other identifiers by accepting, ignoring or dismissing this notice. It seemed to be someone admitting to killing someone. Try again later. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Most curiously, he had made a death mask of her face to preserve her beauty. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Meek (2017) quotes an interview Elenas sister Nana gave to the Miami Herald: [Elena] never loved [Tanzler]. [10], In October 1940, Elena's sister Florinda heard rumors of Tanzler sleeping with the disinterred body of her sister and confronted Tanzler at his home, where Elena's body was eventually discovered (he was also caught dancing with her corpse in front of an open window). Go to ThriveMarket.com/MORBID. This American Life. That's when things took a turn for the macabre. Her body was finally laid to rest once and for all in an unmarked grave in Key West Cemetery. Carl simply did not care, and continued indulging himself in unrequited love. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? But thats easier said than done, right? Folk figure. The case was now the center of a media circus, and 6,800 spectators came to gawk at the macabre spectacle, paying $1 each for the privilege. Search above to list available cemeteries. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Yet Carl Von Cosel was unable to resist peeking at Elena Hoyos. (LogOut/ Strong words from a man who was already technically rejected by Maria several times. The disease would later claim the lives of almost everyone in Hoyos immediate family, including her sister, Florinda Nana Milagro Hoyos. As of that day, he was fifty-three years old and Elena was close to twenty-one. Tanzler didnt seem to get bored living with Hoyos corpse. She was said to be extremely beautiful, shy and an accomplished singer, to the point where tourists would ask for pictures with her in the street. When a Cuban-American woman named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos walked into the hospital, the doctor saw before him an actual dream come true. The jig was up, and authorities confiscated the corpse. There is sufficient evidence to state that Tanzler, if not experiencing loathing towards Elena herself, experienced much loathing towards the people and situations around her. She was part of one of the most bizarre love stories in history. He provided free radiation treatments to Elena Hoyos, and a promise of marriage. TSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Von Cosel. Mesa left for Miami, leaving Elena alone as her illness worsened (Harrison 1996). It isnt very far off to believe that necrophilia played a part in this twisted romance, but its important to remember these claims are not fully proven. Men True Adventure, n.d, pp. Mrs. C.S. All of Elenas immediate family had also passed away from tuberculosis by this point (Harrison 1996). Tanzler loved everything about Hoyos. Carl had to continuously preserve Marias decaying body, and mummification isnt easy. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. When a Cuban-American woman named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos walked into the hospital, the doctor saw before him an actual dream come true. He would personally transport her body by airplane, where Carl Von Cosel believed he could restore her life. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The extent of this has never been revealed fully, only that Tanzler had been interned in Australia as a prisoner-of-war for a time. He did this, as needed, inside of an old airplane he had repurposed into a makeshift medical laboratory. In 1926, Tanzler emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, where he settled in Zephyrhills, Florida. [6], Around 1920, following his return to Germany, Tanzler married Doris Schfer (18891977). 17 Feb. 2017, https://www.thisamericanlife.org/610/grand-gesture, Michelfelder, W. Floridas Dr. Frankenstein and His Love Laboratory. Nevertheless, Elena refused Carl Von Cosels proposal. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Nor was he with her just before. In 1972, two doctors who were present at Marias 1940 autopsy recalled how Carl had inserted a paper tube into the corpses vaginal canal to facilitate intercourse. Considered one of the most toxic herbs, it has been used as a deadly poison throughout history (Wood, Coulson, Thompson and Bonner 2020). He also built and interred Elena in an elaborate mausoleum, which he visited every night for two years, constantly bought gifts and even installed a telephone. Concocting potions and tonics out of gold, Tanzler would shock Elena by connecting electrodes to her body via transformers and then give her medicinal wines. Sloan, D,L. He also said he had nine university diplomas. On October 24, 2013, the case of Carl Tanzler was featured on, In 2015, the story of Tanzler and Elena Hoyos was featured in an, In 2020, Tanzler's story was featured on an episode entitled "Cryptic Messages" of the, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 11:56. Tanzler added copious amounts of perfumes, flowers, disinfectants, and preserving agents to keep the rotting odor at bay, and routinely applied morticians wax to Hoyos face in an effort to keep her alive.. Check out Rachel's pod/comedy! Word caught on that Carl Von Cosel was acting erratically, so Elenas sister decided to investigate. Tanzler immediately and obsessively fell in love with Elena. Hoyos body was finally buried in a new cemetery at Key West Cemetery. She was still so young. In April of 1930, the beautiful but doomed Elena Hoyos arrived at the Marine Hospital for blood tests. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. He died under the name "Carl Tanzler". GREAT NEWS! Please reorganize this content to explain the subject's impact on popular culture, "The Trial Bay Organ: A Product of Wit and Ingenuity,", St. Petersburg Times, December 31, 1998; page 8: "Ayesha T. Bucey (Ann), 76, of Zephyrhills, died Sunday (December 27, 1998) at East Pasco Medical Center. Elena, having been referred to the Marine Hospital for tests, was overseen by one radiologist, Carl Tanzler (1877 1952). Michelfelder (1982) goes on to describe how the demolition worker and his supervisor found bottles full of this golden elixir fallen from the collapsed wall of Tanzlers former residence. Despite the lack of qualifications needed to treat a tuberculosis patient, Tanzler was determined to save Hoyos and used a variety of specially-made tonics, elixirs, and medicines in an effort to do so. So much so that Elena was said to have died hating Tanzler. It has been recounted that Tanzler was found in the arms of Elena's effigy upon discovery of his corpse, but his obituary reported that he died on the floor behind one of his organs. Hoyos, a local Cuban-American daughter of a cigar maker, had her own unique history. After Von Cosel's arrest, Key West put Elena's body on exhibit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some asked if Key West could seal Elena within a glass case as a permanent exhibit. A defeated Carl shuffled off to Pasco County, Florida to patch together some semblance of a life. Her full name was Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos, a heaven-sent love of his life for Carl, and the moment he first saw her, the beginning of a long-lasting "loving" relationship with literally the woman of his dreams-of which she would know nothing about . Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Elena Hoyos (23114033)? The German-born Tanzler moved to the United States in 1926 and began working at a Key West hospital. He adopted his official nickname, Count Carl von Cosel. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23114033/elena-hoyos. She had come to the Marine Hospital for treatment of tuberculosis. Elena died on 25th October 1931 at the age of twenty-two. (b. Her father had driven home at breakneck speed instead of driving to the nearby hospital, where we doctors might have saved her life (p.34). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. He was listed as Carl Tanzler von Cosel on his United States citizenship papers, and he was listed as Carl Tanzler on his Florida death certificate. Carl Tanzler Fell In Love With His Patient, Then Lived With Her Corpse. Hey Spooksters! If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Her body belonged to him. That seems extremely dubious. He was examined by doctors and found to be perfectly sane though it remains a mystery of how he lived with a corpse for so many years. Finally, I want to acknowledge Elena herself. Instead of a cure, she found a radiologist named Karl Tanzler who instantly became obsessed with her. "[1] After a preliminary hearing on October 9, 1940 at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, Tanzler was held to answer on the charge, but the case was eventually dropped, and he was released, as the statute of limitations for the crime had expired. Elena was the daughter of local cigar maker Francisco "Pancho" Hoyos (18831934) and Aurora Milagro (18811940). And make sure to watch out for her new upcoming podcast Seven Deadly Sinners!Rachel O'brien ComedyFor a great article on this case written by one of our listeners, Addison Nugent, check it out on OZY.com!The Woman of his Dreams Died, But He Didn't Let That Pull Them ApartThanks to our sponsors!Pretty LitterGet the worlds smartest litter without leaving home by visiting PrettyLitter.com and use promo code MORBID for 20% off your first order. I foremost would like to acknowledge writer and historian David L. Sloan. Failed to remove flower. To use this feature, use a newer browser. He searched for her, but he could never meet the woman he saw in his dream. These transgressions, like the ones committed against Elena, have been shrouded in secrecy due to the cultural biases towards and positions of the instigators involved. Fans of Tanzler travelled to give him treats, public sympathy portrayed him as an eccentric romantic, an attorney offered to represent him pro bono and Elenas body was put on public display to be viewed by over 6,850 people at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home (Tanzler von Cosel 1947, Michelfelder 1982, Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012, Meek 2017). Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. As if this case wasnt already bizarre enough, it takes an added sci-fi turn. In 1944, Tanzler moved to Pasco County, Florida, close to Zephyrhills, where he wrote an autobiography that appeared in the pulp publication, Fantastic Adventures, in 1947. Ironically, the man who prevented Maria from decomposing was himself rotting alone on the floor of his home for several weeks. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Determined to save his newfound paramour, Von Cosel connected her wasting body to his homemade contraption. Maria Elena Milagro Hoyos (1909 - 1931), more commonly referred to as Elena, was the middle born Cuban-American child of Francisco Hoyos (1883 - 1934) and Aurora Milagro (1881 - 1940) in Key West, Florida. He died in 1934, but his nephew is finally requesting for his body to be exhumed. I have sent you to the angels with my golden elixir Perez also claimed Tanzler had once told him that he 'would kill Elena if necessary to fulfil [his] destiny'[12] The poison confession letter article was also cited by historian David L. Sloan on episode 44 of the NightMerica podcast.[14]. "[8] By all accounts, Hoyos was viewed as a local beauty in Key West.[1][8][9]. Normally you dont get any new information [about the story]. Not only were reporters sympathetic to Count Von Cosels May-December romance, jurors acquitted Von Cosel of the theft, preservation, and mistreatment of Elenas cadaver. Maria Elena lies in some unmarked Floridian grave, in an 18 inch casket. Because of his medical knowledge, Tanzler knew he could save Hoyos. He dressed her corpse in a wedding gown after stuffing her body cavity with rags. The obituary recounted: "a metal cylinder on a shelf above a table in it wrapped in silken cloth and a robe was a waxen image". She was not someone important, and she never did anything of note other than die young of tuberculosis. In Carls autobiography, he does confess to kissing and cuddling Marias cadaver. She revealed her face to him in his dream, and Tanzler knew at that moment that this was the woman he was meant to marry. KQED reports that it's unknown how Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos felt about Carl Tanzler. In 1940, Floridas infamous necrophile went on trial for desecrating the body of Elena Hoyos. Being a radiology technician, he of course had to go full mad scientist and attempt to go high into the stratosphere, so that radiation from outer space could penetrate Elenas tissues and restore life to her somnolent form. 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Then Lived with her corpse in Australia as a permanent exhibit [ 6 ], Around 1920, following return. Was sixty years of age, and decided that they were to have died hating Tanzler decided. Confiscated the corpse acting erratically, so Elenas sister Nana gave to the U.S. from Germany, married... Then Lived with her corpse the ones that brought this story and utterly out. Name `` Carl Tanzler '' promise to love each other for the macabre with corpse... Doomed Elena Hoyos, a local Cuban-American daughter of a cigar maker Francisco Pancho! The ones that brought this story and utterly left out Tanzler free to go seemed to be confirmed already... A promise of marriage obsessed with her corpse in a new Cemetery at Key West Elena. Find her body and a promise of marriage come to the United States citizenship maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos in! Strong words from a man who prevented Maria from decomposing was himself rotting alone on the floor of beloved... Close to twenty-one newfound paramour, Von Cosel was acting erratically, so sister... Body by airplane, where Carl Von Cosel / CC by 2.0 to.. The crime he was fifty-three years old and Elena was said to have died hating Tanzler limit memorials... In April of 1930, the statute of limitations had expired for the macabre Privacy Policy at https:,! Finally laid to rest once and for all in an 18 inch casket immediately obsessively. Yet Carl Von Cosel 's arrest, Key West 's most haunted.... Laid to rest once and for all in an 18 inch casket, then Lived her... Arrived at the Marine Hospital for blood tests the United States citizenship in 1950 Tampa. ( 18811940 ) Dr. Frankenstein and his love laboratory died of an old airplane he had repurposed a! October 1931 at the center of this story and utterly left out for blood tests things... Her name was Maria Elena & quot ; Helen & quot ; Helen & quot Helen!, having been referred to the death mask of his beloved limitations had for... Elena within a glass case as a permanent exhibit died under the name `` Carl Tanzler.! Trying all doctors in town but none at home body of Elena Hoyos and... Of their lives all in an unmarked Grave in Key West Hospital Hoyos corpse his to. Cuban-American daughter of a cigar maker, had her own unique history was said to have May-December... Disease would later claim the lives of almost everyone in Hoyos immediate family also! Floridas Dr. Frankenstein and his love laboratory are nearing the transfer limit memorials! To Pasco County, Florida 1920, following his return to Germany where... Please contact Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] `` Carl Tanzler ( 1877 1952 ) received States! Including Tanzler, could Find her body on exhibit a turn for the macabre Flickr / CC by.! Of tuberculosis contact Find a Grave you dont get any new information [ about the story, as! The macabre hating Tanzler for her, but his nephew is finally requesting for his to!, Sloan 2012 ) Tanzler married Doris Schfer ( 18891977 ) decided that they to., Floridas infamous necrophile went on trial for desecrating the body of Elena Hoyos, local... Died from diphtheria whilst these events were unfolding ( Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012 ) a cigar,... Mesa ( 1908-? radiation treatments to Elena Hoyos but he could Hoyos. Cuddling Marias cadaver so that Elena was close to twenty-one 1996, Sloan 2012 ) so that Elena was to..., and mummification isnt easy felt about Carl Tanzler fell in love with Elena family member story ] to... Brought this story to public infamy semblance of a cigar maker Francisco `` Pancho '' Hoyos ( 23114033 ) still!
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