Lawsuit: Ex-Tennessee funeral director continued to exploit grieving immigrant families | Chattanooga Times Free Press

Reid Van Ness, a Tennessee funeral director, faces a federal lawsuit for allegedly exploiting immigrant families after surrendering his license in 2020. He reportedly accepted payments for funeral services he failed to deliver, leaving multiple bodies to decay in funeral homes while families sought information about their loved ones. Legal filings indicate that the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance received numerous complaints against him from 2021 to 2023, contradicting his claims of volunteering. Van Ness argues that the state's restrictions on his activities infringe upon his First Amendment rights. However, evidence suggests he continued to accept payments for services after losing his license.

The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families in accessing funeral services. The lawsuit is scheduled for trial in June 2026, raising concerns over the regulation of funeral practices in Tennessee.