In 1967, Dr. James Hiram Bedford, a psychology professor and WWI veteran, became the first person to undergo cryonic preservation, hoping future science could revive him. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Bedford’s body was frozen shortly after his death,
using methods pioneered by Dr. Robert Ettinger.In 1991, Alcor inspected his body, finding it well-preserved with minor damage. Today, Bedford remains frozen alongside over 145 others, still waiting for the day science might fulfill his dream of revival. His story symbolizes humanity’s enduring hope in the possibilities of cryonics.