Harvard Medical School to pay $53M to settle lawsuits over morgue scandal
Harvard Medical School agreed to pay $53 million to settle class-action lawsuits over the theft and sale of human remains from its morgue.Summary
Harvard Medical School has agreed to pay $53 million in two class-action settlement funds to resolve lawsuits filed by families whose loved ones' remains were stolen and sold on the black market. The scandal, which came to light three years ago, involved Cedric Lodge, the morgue's manager, who pleaded guilty to interstate transport of stolen human remains and was sentenced to eight years in prison. His wife, Denise Lodge, was also sentenced for assisting him. While a judge initially dismissed the families' civil lawsuits, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reversed that decision in October 2025, allowing the cases to proceed. The settlement includes a pledge from Harvard to provide a statement to families confirming Lodge's actions were morally reprehensible and to establish an annual financial aid scholarship for medical students starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. The university has also implemented changes recommended by outside experts to its Anatomical Gift Program.
(Source：NBC10 Boston)