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MACABRE HISTORY:

In the annals of macabre history, few tales are as unsettling as that of Carl Tanzler and his obsession with Elena "Helen" Milagro de Hoyos. This story intertwines unrequited love, delusion, and grave desecration, leaving an indelible mark on the lore of Key West, Florida.

A Fateful Encounter

In 1930, while working as a radiology technician at the U.S. Marine Hospital in Key West, Carl Tanzler encountered 21-year-old Elena de Hoyos, a Cuban-American woman diagnosed with tuberculosis—a disease often fatal in that era. Tanzler, captivated by Elena's beauty, believed she was the embodiment of a vision he had of his destined love. Despite Elena being married to another man, Tanzler's obsession grew.

Obsession Beyond Death

Elena succumbed to tuberculosis on October 25, 1931. Devastated, Tanzler financed her funeral and commissioned an above-ground mausoleum, visiting it nightly. In April 1933, driven by delusions that Elena's spirit urged him, Tanzler removed her body from the mausoleum and transported it to his home. There, he attempted to preserve her remains using various methods, including silk cloth, wax, and wire. He dressed Elena's body, applied perfumes to mask decomposition odors, and lived with the corpse for seven years.

Discovery and Aftermath

In 1940, suspicions arose when a local boy reported seeing Tanzler dancing with what appeared to be a giant doll through a window. Elena's sister, Florinda, confronted Tanzler and discovered the preserved body. Authorities arrested Tanzler, charging him with grave desecration. However, the case was dismissed due to the statute of limitations expiring. Elena's body was reburied in a secret, unmarked grave to prevent further tampering.