AI Outsiders, Smoking Crematories, and the Unopened Body Bag

This week’s industry roundup examines the artificial intelligence platforms into the deathcare sector. Central to the discussion is Impart, an all-in-one, AI-enabled business solution launched by the parent company Manifest. Manifest, which operates similar platforms in other industries like veterinary care, has positioned TikTok personality and funeral director Melissa Jo Schmidt as the face of the brand. * Cremation and Infrastructure: In Texas, a viral video of a smoking crematory prompted a discussion on the technical failures of aging equipment and the friction caused by cremation bans in cities like Seattle.* Operational Errors: Two high-profile body mishandling cases surfaced. In Tacoma, a funeral home took public ownership of an 18-year-old oversight regarding unclaimed cremated remains. Conversely, a Rhode Island facility is under investigation for burying an individual inside an unopened body bag, only to later discover it was the wrong person.* Real Estate and Independence: At the NFDA Leadership and Enrichment Summit, independent directors discussed the rising threat of development corporations and high real estate costs that force community funeral homes to close or relocate.* Historic Relocations: In Indiana, a Catholic high school has begun the process of exhuming Civil War veterans and pioneers from an on-site cemetery to make way for a football stadium expansion. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe