Cremated Remains Of Birmingham Family Member Stolen In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV - A memorial service was held Saturday for 77-year-old Joel Pugatch, who died last month. However, Pugatch's Birmingham family members were informed that day that his cremated remains had been stolen.

The remains were in the process of being shipped to their loved ones from Las Vegas Cremations, according to a report by Las Vegas FOX affiliate KVVU. The remains were stolen about 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 from an employee at the post office near Decatur Boulevard and Rancho Drive in Las Vegas, according to the report.

"Our father passed away in Las Vegas on November 23 and we were hoping to get the remains over the last week or so. We knew they were going to be shipped over the last couple of days, and then to get this phone call, it’s devastating,” daughter Deborah Pugatch told Birmingham FOX affiliate WBRC.

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Joel Pugatch lived in Parker, Arizona, which is where the memorial service was held. Deborah Pugatch said the family knew they would not receive the remains in time for them to be present at the memorial service, but they expected the remains to arrive in Birmingham this week.

The company is offering a $3,000 reward for the remains. "Las Vegas Cremations is shocked and saddened by the criminal act and wants nothing more than to have the cremated remains returned as soon as possible." the company said in a press release.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.

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