ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala.– Funeral home owners in Etowah County say they are seeing a growing number of unclaimed bodies, with no family or friends coming forward to make burial arrangements.

In many cases, the deceased are left at hospitals or funeral homes, often due to family estrangement or financial hardship. West Gadsden Funeral Home owner Dantez Robinson says funeral homes frequently find themselves caught in the middle, trying to do the right thing while waiting for direction.

Robinson says if a body goes unclaimed for about two weeks, the funeral home contacts the coroner’s office. If the coroner does not assume responsibility, paperwork is filed through the probate judge for burial assistance. Etowah County currently pays a four-hundred-fifty-dollar fee to cover cremation costs.

Etowah County Probate Judge Scott Hassell says the number of unclaimed bodies has steadily increased over the years and believes every person deserves dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

Hassell says he has asked county commissioners to explore long-term solutions, including the possible purchase of a shared crypt to respectfully house remains that go unclaimed.

Robinson adds that money should never be the deciding factor in honoring a loved one, noting that many funeral homes are willing to work with families who are upfront about their financial situation.

Judge Hassell says discussions with Etowah County commissioners on the issue are ongoing.

(This story from WBRC Fox 6 Birmingham)