Carl Tanzler: The Macabre Tale of Key West’s ‘Corpse Groom’
If you think Florida’s eccentric reputation is a modern invention, think again. The Sunshine State has always been home to bizarre and tragic tales, but few are as chilling as the story of Carl Tanzler, the man who turned his obsession into a macabre love story. This unbelievable chapter in Key West’s history is not only true—it’s one of the strangest tales you’ll ever hear.
A Doctor’s Obsession
Carl Tanzler was a radiologist at the Marine Hospital in Key West during the 1930s. Originally from Germany, Tanzler was an enigmatic figure with a murky past, claiming to have advanced medical degrees and knowledge in esoteric sciences. However, his life took a dark turn when he met Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos, a beautiful young Cuban-American woman diagnosed with tuberculosis—a death sentence at the time.
From the moment Tanzler laid eyes on Elena, he was captivated. He believed she was the embodiment of a woman who had appeared to him in dreams, destined to be his eternal love. Tanzler showered Elena with gifts and medical treatments, but despite his efforts, she passed away in 1931 at just 21 years old.
Read more about Key West’s haunted past.
Love Beyond the Grave
Elena’s death didn’t end Tanzler’s obsession. He paid for her mausoleum and visited her grave nightly. But grief wasn’t enough—he wanted her back. In 1933, Tanzler exhumed Elena’s body under the cover of darkness. Using wire, wax, and silk, he attempted to reconstruct her decomposing corpse. Tanzler kept her remains in his home for nearly seven years, dressing her in fine clothes and even applying perfume to mask the odor of decay.
Tanzler later claimed that his actions were out of love, even going so far as to construct a rudimentary "airship" in hopes of flying Elena’s body into the stratosphere, where he believed radiation could bring her back to life.
Learn more about Carl Tanzler’s obsession with immortality.
Discovery and Public Reaction
In 1940, Elena’s sister became suspicious of Tanzler’s behavior and alerted authorities. When investigators entered Tanzler’s home, they discovered Elena’s corpse in his bed, shockingly well-preserved but unmistakably lifeless.
Tanzler was arrested and charged with "maliciously destroying a grave and removing a body without authorization," but incredibly, he never served time. Public opinion was split; while some were horrified, others saw him as a tragically romantic figure.
For more details, read this deep dive into the trial.
The Legacy of Carl Tanzler
Carl Tanzler returned to his eccentric lifestyle after the trial, even creating a life-sized effigy of Elena to keep him company until his death in 1952. Elena’s body was reburied in an unmarked grave to protect her from further desecration. 
Today, Tanzler’s story is remembered as one of the strangest examples of obsession in Florida’s history. Visitors to Key West still recount the tale as part of the island’s haunted lore. If you’re curious to explore more of Florida’s bizarre history, make sure to check out Key West’s ghost tours.
This strange, disturbing, and oddly tragic story remains a reminder of how far love—or obsession—can drive a person. Believe it or not.
Would you visit Carl Tanzler’s haunting grounds? Let us know in the comments!