Dr. James Hiram Bedford, a professor and World War I veteran, became the first person to undergo cryonic preservation after passing away in 1967 from metastatic kidney cancer.

Inspired by Dr. Robert Ettinger’s book The Prospect of Immortality, Bedford arranged to be frozen upon his death. His body was preserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C.

Decades later, Alcor examined his remains and found them well-preserved, with his face appearing younger than expected.

More than 50 years later, Bedford remains in cryonic suspension, having expressed hope that future generations would one day benefit from scientific advancements.