Guatemala orders tests for teen who woke up in her coffin
Guatemalan officials ordered medical tests for a 15-year-old girl who woke up in her coffin during her own wake, Soy502 reported. Prosecutors have opened an inquiry. Her father had declared her dead without a doctor, the New York Post reported.
Guatemala's child-protection office ordered medical tests for Yuleidy Ixcotoyac, the 15-year-old who sat up in her coffin at her own wake, the Guatemalan news site Soy502 reported. The tests were done at the national hospital in Huehuetenango.
A deputy child-protection official, Lucrecia Prera, said there is no scientific proof that the girl had ever died, Soy502 reported. She said tests are needed to learn the girl's condition and give her the care she needs.
Prosecutors in Sacapulas, working with regional prosecutors, have opened their own inquiry into what happened, Soy502 reported.
The case began early Saturday in the village of El Jocote. Her father, evangelical pastor Abraham Ixcotoyac, said she passed out while he drove her to a medical center, the New York Post reported, citing News.com.au. He checked for a pulse and breathing, found neither, and declared her dead. No doctor confirmed the death, and no death certificate was issued, the Post reported.
Because quick burial is common there, the family bought a coffin within hours. Mourners gathered at the family home at 2:30 p.m., about eight hours after she collapsed, the Post reported. Her mother, Lesvia Ríos, leaned over the casket and saw movement. Then the girl sat up and spoke. The family began yelling "hallelujah," the Post reported.
Yuleidy said her heart hurt badly before she blacked out, the Post reported. She is now awake and recovering, and she said she "thanks God" for being alive, the Post reported. A video of the wake has spread widely online. Some viewers called it a miracle, while others asked how a funeral was set up so fast.
What we know: The girl is alive, officials ordered medical tests, and prosecutors are looking into the case.
What we don't: What caused her collapse, and whether anyone will face charges.
Where outlets agree Soy502 and the New York Post both report that 15-year-old Yuleidy Ixcotoyac woke up during her wake in El Jocote after she was believed dead.
Where they differ Soy502 reports the girl was being mourned at the evangelical church her father leads, while the New York Post, citing News.com.au, says mourners gathered at the family home.