Widow discovered her deceased husband's feet among his belongings

A widow has spoken of her horror after uncovering pieces of her late husband's feet inside the personal items returned to her by a funeral home.

A large search operation began after 64-year-old Mark Federspiel fell from Western Ferries vessel Sound of Shuna on 15 June while travelling from Gourock to his home in Dunoon. The former US Navy divers body was ultimately discovered on Kilcreggan Beach on 12 October.

Marks widow, Annette Federspiel, said the moment she opened the bag containing his belongings felt like a scene from a horror movie.

His possessions were returned to the family last week, shortly after he received a military ceremony in Dunoon on 12 November. They smelled terrible, Annette said. I lifted out his clothing and noticed the socks were unusually heavy. When I reached inside, I felt part of Marks feet.

I screamed and ran to grab gloves. When I checked again, I pulled out the soles of his feet still clinging to the inside of the socks, heels and all.

How could they do this to Mark? His body had been handled with such little care. Did no one notice his feet were barely attached in the mortuary? she added.

Annette said her father had to come over to seal the bag containing Marks foot remains and take it outside until the funeral home collected it.

She said both bereavement officers and funeral staff told her they had never encountered anything so shocking. The emotional toll of the past months has impacted her health, and her 22-year-old daughter Lara is now frightened to travel home by ferry.

Chief Inspector James McArthur, local area commander for Police Scotland, stated: Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, who have received specialist support throughout this incredibly difficult time.

He confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for Caladh Funeral Services in Dunoon said: As part of our policy, we do not discuss details of individual cases to protect the privacy of the families we serve. We are committed to offering care, compassion, and dignity to every person in our care.

Author: Olivia Parker