Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Mary Pat Gallagher held her son Brian 37 years after his death, an event the family describes as a sign of hope for grieving parents and people of faith. The story centers on the discovery of Brian’s body in 2019 during preparations to move his remains to Black Hills National Cemetery in South Dakota so that he could eventually be laid to rest near his parents.

Brian Thomas Gallagher was born at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on June 16, 1982. He lived for only 43 minutes due to complications during delivery. After his death, his parents requested baptism from a military chaplain, though they later learned it was likely performed conditionally after Brian had passed away.

Because the Gallaghers did not plan to stay at Fort Knox permanently, they buried Brian in South Dakota near extended family. His grave remained undisturbed until the decision was made in 2019 to relocate him. During the exhumation process, a backhoe accidentally pierced Brian’s casket. When it was opened, those present found that Brian’s body appeared unchanged by time—there were no signs of decomposition or odor; his skin and hair were intact and flexible; even autopsy sutures looked nearly untouched.

Mary Pat Gallagher described seeing her son again: “Brian was lying in a bassinet casket with a little teddy bear sitting up in a corner,” she said. “Shawn and I walked down the aisle of the chapel to see our baby. Katie, Thomas, and Alison waited in the back to give us space as we met him again after 37 years and five months. Oh, my goodness, the feelings that came over us were breathtaking! His beautiful body, clothed and wrapped in the blanket we had laid him to rest in, was right in front of us. I touched his shoulder and then asked Tiffany if I could hold him. She told me it was fine. I picked him up and sat down on the bench with him. Shawn was in awe of his appearance and me holding him. I unwrapped the blanket to see his hands, and they were perfect. His fingernails were bluish, as you see from birth. It felt like I was holding a China doll, and yet he was our son! Our kids were overwhelmed by their emotions. It was miraculous that we were with him, and I was holding his body that had not changed in 37 years!

“After we spent some time with him, I put him back in the bassinet/casket, and the casket was sealed again. From that day forward, we have found that sharing our story brings peace of mind to those who are grieving or need hope that they will see their loved ones again.”

Shawn Gallagher added: “I couldn’t believe how perfect he looked... It was a sad time for us... but it was also an uplifting and mysterious time for us... Here was some sort of mystery, maybe even a miracle...”

Thomas Gallagher recalled meeting his brother for what felt like the first time: “Who gets the chance to be at their brother’s second funeral who died before he was born?... I knew I had to be there.” Upon seeing Brian's remains he said: “I looked at him, and I just thought, he looks like he’s sleeping... And the funeral director said ‘I didn’t do anything to him.’”

Funeral home director Tiffany Hofer shared her perspective: “Professionally, I know what I expect to see especially with an infant... Their little fingers often dehydrate quickly because of low-fat content but Brian’s fingers were perfect... The autopsy incisions especially on torso were clean & intact... Only tiniest bit change could be seen on head sutures & even that minimal... No signs dehydration anywhere...

“It is case I'll never forget,” she added.“In my career funeral service I've never seen something like this before…to allow parents see him again remarkable…also touched fact siblings able see Brian first time…beautiful experience.”

The family says they view this occurrence not as tragedy but as encouragement for others facing loss.“I think message is from Father’s heart: ‘I have them.I have them,’” Thomas says.“My wife & I lost three babies miscarriage…it’s wild sense loss & grieving…but now they're with God.”

Today,Brian rests at Black Hills National Cemetery.His parents intend eventually join him there.

When asked about lessons regarding faith from this experience Thomas said,“Death is not something be afraid of.Jesus has conquered it.Brian is great sign hope & hopefully joy look forward—the life come.”

An interview about this story can be found on Dive Deep,the podcast produced by Diocese of Springfield in Illinois,and more information is available at babybrian.org.