More than fifty years have passed since a bold experiment captured the world’s imagination. People continue to wonder: Can modern science achieve the extraordinary and bring a man back to life? Is it possible for humanity to develop the technology needed to revive a person frozen in time? These questions have lingered for decades, fueled by one man’s unwavering hope and extraordinary decision. That man was Dr. James Hiram Bedford, who in 1967 became the first person to undergo cryonic preservation, hoping to be revived in the distant future.
Three years have elapsed since 2017, the year Bedford hoped to be awakened, and many are curious about his fate. What has become of the man who was once considered one of the wealthiest in America?
James Hiram Bedford was a psychology professor at the University of California and a World War I veteran. His life was rich with experiences that spanned continents and cultures. He married twice, explored the African savannas on hunting expeditions, ventured deep into the Amazon rainforest, and journeyed across Europe, visiting Greece, Türkiye, Spain, England, Scotland, Germany, and Switzerland. He was also among the earliest adventurers to drive the Alcan Highway, a rugged route connecting northwest Canada and Alaska.
In 1967, Bedford’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. At the time, medical science offered no viable treatments, leaving Bedford with no option but to face an impending death sentence. However, Bedford had encountered a revolutionary concept in a book titled The Prospect of Immortality, written by Dr. Robert Ettinger. Ettinger, widely regarded as the father of cryonics, proposed freezing human bodies after death to preserve them until future medical advancements could potentially revive them. Inspired by this idea, Bedford volunteered to become the first person to undergo cryonic preservation.
Robert Nelson, an associate of Dr. Ettinger and a pioneer in the field, took charge of the procedure. On January 12, 1967, shortly after Bedford’s death at the age of 73, Nelson and his team acted swiftly. Bedford’s body was injected with dimethyl sulfoxide to protect his internal organs, following artificial respiration and cardiac massage to maintain blood circulation temporarily. His blood was then drained, and his body was placed in a tank filled with liquid nitrogen, chilled to an astonishing minus 196 degrees Celsius.
Cryonics was still a nascent field, and Bedford’s case was only the second known attempt at human preservation. An earlier effort in April 1966 had failed when a woman’s body, preserved in Arizona, deteriorated after just a few months. Experts speculated that the delay in embalming had allowed cellular decomposition to begin, rendering her brain irreparably damaged.
In Bedford’s case, the meticulous steps taken during the preservation process were promising. To support his decision, Bedford had allocated more than $100,000—equivalent to over $2 million today—to cover the costs of maintaining his frozen state. Before his death, Bedford had shared his reasoning with Robert Nelson. “I did not do this with the thought that I would be revived,” Bedford reportedly said. “I did this in the hope that one day my descendants will benefit from this wonderful scientific solution.”
Decades passed, and in 1991, after 24 years of preservation, the Alcor Life Extension Foundation decided to inspect Bedford’s condition. Technicians carefully opened the cryogenic chamber and found Bedford’s body wrapped in a pale blue sleeping bag, secured with a nylon strap. They transferred him to a newer liquid nitrogen tank lined with polystyrene foam to conduct a thorough examination.
The findings were remarkable. Despite some expected changes, Bedford’s body was well-preserved overall. His face appeared surprisingly youthful for someone who had been 73 at the time of his death. Although patches of his chest and neck skin had discolored, and small cracks were noted on the surface of his skin, the preservation was considered a success. His nose and mouth bore faint traces of blood, his half-open eyes had a chalky white appearance from the ice, and his legs were crossed, with some exposure evident. Despite these signs of wear, Bedford’s preservation far exceeded expectations.
Technicians wrapped Bedford in a fresh sleeping bag and returned him to a liquid nitrogen tank to continue his indefinite preservation. By then, cryonics had advanced significantly, and Bedford’s story had inspired many others to pursue similar preservation. Currently, more than 145 individuals rest in cryogenic chambers, awaiting a future where science might unlock the secrets to reversing death.
As of now, three years beyond the anticipated revival date of 2017, Bedford remains in his cryogenic state. His story continues to ignite debates and stir curiosity. Critics question the ethical and philosophical implications of cryonics, while proponents argue that advancements in science and technology could one day make revival a reality. Whether Bedford’s dream will ever be realized remains uncertain, but his decision marked a significant milestone in the intersection of science, hope, and human ingenuity.
Today, Bedford’s legacy endures as a symbol of humanity’s relentless pursuit of the impossible. His journey into the unknown serves as a testament to the enduring hope that future generations might one day benefit from the scientific breakthroughs envisioned by a man who refused to let go of life without a fight.
