This photograph shows the mummified body of Elena Hoyos. A radiologist named Carl Tanzler had become obsessed with her, and after she died, he stole her body from her grave. He attempted to preserve Elena's body through various means, including the use of chemicals, and even dressed her in clothing and applied makeup to maintain the appearance of life.
Carl Tanzler was born on February 8, 1903, in Dresden, Germany. He had a varied career, including work as an aviation engineer and later as a radiologist. In 1926, Tanzler emigrated to the United States, settling in Florida. His professional life, however, was overshadowed by his personal life and an obsession that would soon dominate headlines.
In 1931, Tanzler met Elena Hoyos, a young Cuban-American woman who was suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that was often fatal at the time. Elena, who was only 22 years old, became Tanzler's patient. Despite the fact that he was a radiologist and not a physician specializing in tuberculosis, Tanzler took a keen interest in her case.
Tanzler's fascination with Elena quickly evolved into an obsession. He reportedly believed that Elena was the reincarnation of a woman he had loved in his homeland. Tanzler began making extravagant and unprofessional attempts to cure her, including experimental treatments and visits to her home. His behavior was erratic, and his fixation on Hoyos grew stronger over time.
Elena Hoyos succumbed to tuberculosis in 1931, and her death was a devastating blow to her family. Tanzler, however, was unable to let go. He paid for Elena's funeral and removed her body from the grave just a few months later. Tanzler took the corpse to his home, where he engaged in macabre activities. He tried to preserve Elena's body using various methods, including chemicals, and dressed her in clothing while applying makeup to make her appear as though she were still alive.
Tanzler's grotesque actions eventually came to light in 1940 when Elena's family discovered the truth. They had been suspicious about the strange behaviour of the man who had been so involved with Elena's care. Tanzler was charged with the crime of abusing a corpse, but due to the statute of limitations, he was not prosecuted for the full extent of his actions.
Carl Tanzler's trial was highly publicized, but the charges against him were relatively minor. He was released on bond and eventually went on to live out his remaining years in relative obscurity. He continued to profess his love for Elena Hoyos until his death on July 3, 1952.
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