Devastated family 'denied final goodbye' after dad's body 'left to rot' by Co-op Funeralcare in Rosyth

A devastated family say they were denied a “final goodbye” with their much-loved dad, claiming his body was “left to rot” for over a week.

Kevin Fairfield died after suffering a heart attack on July 21, 2024, at the age of 65.

After their father’s body was collected by Co-op Funeralcare’s Rosyth branch in Fife, the siblings requested that he be embalmed in order for them to say a final goodbye.

But the siblings say following a “series of failings”, they were later told that “nature has taken its course” and were advised not to see his body.

Kevin Fairfield died after suffering a heart attack STV News

“We wanted to see dad, that was the only thing that mattered,” Kali Hope told STV News.

“We’d taken his clothes with us for him so they could basically get him ready for us to see him just as quickly as possible.

“From there, just there was no communication between that meeting and the phone call, to say that we apologise, but nature has taken its course.”

Son Keiron was heartbroken, he had found his father following his heart attack and felt robbed of the chance to see his dad at peace.

Keiron and Kali Hope wanted their father embalmed to have a 'final goodbye' — Keiron and Kali Hope wanted their father embalmed to have a ‘final goodbye’ STV News

“We had made quite clear [seeing dad] we all needed. Obviously, my last memory of my dad is now dead on his floor. We had just felt it was little bit more natural just seeing him at peace.”

The siblings believe their views were ignored and their father’s body was neglected, which Co-op denies.

They have received compensation, but say not knowing what happened or why is a much bigger issue.

“We always say he took away his dignity in death. and thats heartbreaking. You put all your trust in these people,” said Kali Hope.

Keiron added: “What we really want is what happened, why did it happen and how can they ensure that it never happens again to anyone else.

“What we’ve been through on top of losing our dad and grieving from that, its compounded it.”