Disinterment of Tyber Harrison's Grave Sparks Legal and Emotional Turmoil

The case surrounding the disinterment of Tyber Harrison's grave at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon, stems from a grave plot that was mistakenly sold to two families. Tyber Harrison, who died in a tragic accident in 2016, was memorialized by his mother, Paula Tin Nyo, who purchased a burial plot in 2021. However, unbeknownst to her, the plot had already been sold to the Reser family in 2019, who intended to use it for a memorial bench for their son, Alex Reser, who died of a fentanyl overdose.

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On December 30, 2025, a judge ordered the disinterment of Tyber Harrison's grave following a civil trial that found Skyline Memorial Gardens negligent in the double sale but ruled that Tin Nyo could not claim damages. The jury concluded that while the cemetery had made a mistake, Tin Nyo had waived her right to sue by signing documents that released the cemetery from liability. The disinterment involved the removal of a vault containing keepsakes, ashes, and personal mementos of Harrison, which had been buried in the plot.

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The legal battle highlighted the complexities of cemetery laws, particularly regarding cremated remains. Tanya Marsh, a law professor, noted that existing laws are often ill-equipped to handle disputes involving cremated remains. Skyline Memorial Gardens argued that Tin Nyo had breached her contract by interring ashes without prior authorization, while Tin Nyo contended that the cemetery's negligence caused her emotional distress. The jury ultimately sided with the Resers, affirming their claim to the burial plot.

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The disinterment was a deeply emotional event for Tin Nyo and her family, who had invested significant time and effort into creating a memorial for Tyber. Tin Nyo expressed her anguish, stating, “It is about my son, but, frankly, it’s about me and my dignity and what I hold sacred.” Meanwhile, the Reser family, who sought to remain anonymous during the trial, expressed their grief over the loss of their son and the subsequent legal proceedings.

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Skyline Memorial Gardens acknowledged the error in selling the plot twice and offered alternative burial sites to both families, which were ultimately rejected. Heather St. Clair, the cemetery's attorney, emphasized the company's accountability, stating, “They took accountability for that mistake, they apologized for it, they offered every remedy available for it under the law and the contract.” In contrast, Tin Nyo's attorney argued for punitive damages to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Following the disinterment, Tin Nyo and her family are left to decide on a new memorial site for Tyber Harrison. They have expressed their intention to keep the grave marker and vault temporarily at their home. The Reser family plans to install their own memorial bench next to their son’s grave, continuing their efforts to honor his memory.

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While the court ruled in favor of the Resers, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the emotional distress claims made by Tin Nyo. The jury found insufficient evidence to support her claims, leading to ongoing discussions about the adequacy of existing cemetery laws in addressing the needs of grieving families.

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