In a distressing case filed in Harris County, Texas, two plaintiffs have accused a local mortuary service of negligence that resulted in severe emotional trauma. Valerie Cammon and Jakari Cammon lodged their complaint against Kirk Mortuary Service, Inc., doing business as "Kirk Mortuary Service of Houston," on January 30, 2025. The lawsuit claims that the defendant's mishandling of a deceased family member's body prevented the plaintiffs from having a proper farewell.
The case revolves around the tragic death of Chana Cammon, who passed away on January 6, 2024, while aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship docked in Galveston, Texas. Her mother, Valerie Cammon, and son, Jakari Cammon, are the plaintiffs seeking justice for what they describe as gross negligence by Kirk Mortuary Service. After her passing, the decedent's body was reportedly taken into custody by Kirk Mortuary Service for transportation to Illinois for funeral services. However, upon arrival in Illinois, the body was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition with mold and skin slippage—conditions that rendered an open casket viewing impossible.
The plaintiffs allege multiple counts of negligence against Kirk Mortuary Service. They claim that the mortuary failed to properly embalm the body or take necessary steps to preserve it during transport. This alleged neglect led to significant emotional distress for Valerie and Jakari Cammon as they were unable to say their final goodbyes in a manner befitting their loved one. The lawsuit accuses Kirk Mortuary Service of breaching duties of care through acts such as failing to properly train staff and provide adequate embalming services.
Additionally, the complaint charges Kirk Mortuary Service with violations under Sections 651.459(a)(2) and Section 651.459(a)(3) of the Texas Occupations Code due to unethical practices related to embalming and transporting the decedent’s body. The plaintiffs argue these actions amount to negligence per se and seek damages for mental anguish alongside exemplary/punitive damages due to what they describe as intentional misconduct by the defendant.
Valerie and Jakari Cammon are requesting monetary relief exceeding $1 million for their suffering and have also called for treble damages under allegations that Kirk Mortuary violated provisions of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). They claim false representations were made regarding service standards which misled them during an already difficult time.
Represented by De La Garza Law Firm based in McAllen, Texas—with Rolando De La Garza listed as counsel—the plaintiffs are pushing for a jury trial to resolve this matter before Judge Nelson Cuero at Harris County District Court under Case ID 2025-06430.