Harvard agrees to pay $53 million after former morgue manager sold donated body parts

Harvard University has reached a US$53 million settlement after its former morgue manager, Cedric Lodge, was found guilty of stealing and selling donated human remains. Lodge, who managed the morgue at Harvard Medical School before being fired in 2023, pleaded guilty to trafficking the remains and was sentenced to eight years in prison in December.

Investigators revealed that Lodge and his wife took body parts from the school without the knowledge or permission of the employer, donors, or their families, shipping them to buyers in other states since 2018.

In a letter, Harvard University expressed gratitude for working with plaintiffs to resolve the matter, prioritizing support for families and the organ donation program, and avoiding prolonged litigation. They reaffirmed their deep sorrow and empathy for the families affected by the despicable and abhorrent actions of Lodge. The university confirmed that the process of distributing funds is expected to take several months.

The settlement plan also includes the establishment of an annual financial aid scholarship starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, honoring all anatomical donors. Additionally, Harvard will provide a statement condemning Lodge's criminal acts and detail improvements made to the organ donation program. Lodge's wife, Denise, received a one-year prison sentence, and six other co-conspirators who bought remains from Lodge have pleaded guilty and received sentences.