Footage Captures Heartbreaking Moment Pallbearers Fall Into Grave As Son Is Trapped Beneath Father's Casket

A funeral took a devastating turn when the grieving son of Benjamin Aviles Jr. became trapped underneath his father's coffin. The casket fell directly on him after the platform surrounding the grave suddenly gave way.

Aviles Jr., who was 61 years old, died unexpectedly on March 21 due to heart-related complications. His family, still in shock and deep sorrow, had been preparing to say their goodbyes when tragedy struck again.

The burial was held on March 28 at Greenmount Cemetery in North Philadelphia. As pallbearers were gently lowering the casket into the grave, the wooden planks beneath them collapsed, sending them and the coffin tumbling into the open burial site.

Maribelle Rodriguez, Aviles’ stepdaughter, described the terrifying moment to ABC7: "It was just a horrible incident that happened at a bad moment."

The men who fell into the grave suffered various injuries to their legs, hands, and backs. However, the son of the deceased, also named Benjamin, was hit especially hard—he took a direct blow to the head with the weight of the coffin pressing down on him.

Rodriguez added more about what happened: "The casket lay on top of him, and he was out like a light with his face in the mud."

The funeral arrangements were handled by Rodriguez Funeral Home, which shared some heartfelt details about Aviles’ life. They recalled how he met his wife, Gloria Acevedo, who became the love of his life. Together, they built their home in northeast Philadelphia.

The tribute read: "Born on August 30, 1963, in Lares, Puerto Rico, to Sara Antonia Aleman de Aviles and Benjamin Aviles, Benjamin built a life defined by hard work, deep love for his family, and unwavering dedication. He spent 27 years as a valued employee at Cardone Industries before continuing his career with the Menasha Corporation."

"A man of many talents, Benji had a natural gift for working on cars. Entirely self-taught, there wasn't a car problem he couldn't fix. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling with his beloved wife, and cheering on his favorite sports - especially boxing and football."

Benjamin Aviles Jr. passed away suddenly at the age of 61 Rodriguez Funeral Home

The eulogy continued with more reflections on the man Aviles was: "Benji was a devoted husband, a loving father to his son, a caring father figure to his stepdaughters, a treasured grandfather to his four grandchildren, and a dear friend to many."

"He was a man of great integrity, strength, and endless love for his family. His kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him."

"Though his absence leaves a void, his memory will forever live on in the stories we share and the love he gave so freely."

Pallbearers fell into Aviles' grave at his funeral YouTube/6abc Philadelphia

Despite the loving tribute, Rodriguez didn’t hold back in expressing her disappointment with the burial arrangements. She placed blame on the funeral home for what happened at the gravesite.

Speaking to the outlet, she said: "The whole thing was trembling. It was wobbly; the wood was all wet and soaked."

Fortunately, none of the injuries sustained that day were considered life-threatening, although the emotional weight of the incident is likely to linger much longer.