Autopsy of 98-year-old US army veteran performed at ticketed public event without family's knowledge

It is understood those who attended the autopsy, which took place as part of the travelling 'Oddities and Curiosities Expo', paid $500 for their tickets

The family of David Saunders, who lived in Louisiana, only learned he had been part of a public autopsy at Portland’s Marriott Hotel when it was reported by a local news station. Picture: US National WWII Museum

The body of a 98-year-old army veteran who died after contracting Covid-19 was dissected in front of an audience at a hotel in the US state of Oregon last month, without the knowledge of the man’s family.

The family of David Saunders, who lived in Louisiana, only learned he had been part of a public autopsy at Portland’s Marriott Hotel when it was reported by a local news station.