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Carl Tanzler, also known as Count Carl von Cosel, was a German-born radiology technician who became famous for his bizarre and disturbing obsession with a young woman named Elena "Helen" Milagro de Hoyos.
In 1931, de Hoyos, who was suffering from tuberculosis, became Tanzler's patient at the U.S. Marine Hospital in Key West, Florida. Tanzler became convinced that de Hoyos was his true love and believed that he could cure her using his unconventional methods, which included various experimental treatments and homemade medical devices.
Despite his efforts, de Hoyos eventually succumbed to her illness in October 1931. However, Tanzler's obsession did not end with her death. He secretly removed her body from the mausoleum and transported it to his home, where he attempted to preserve her using wax, plaster, and other preservation techniques.
His case received widespread media attention and over 6,000 people came to view her body.
Sources:
https://horrorobsessive.com/2022/02/04/a-doctors-unhealthy-obsession-the-story-of-carl-tanzler-and-elena-de-hoyos/
https://historycollection.com/the-real-corpse-bride-carl-tanzlers-horrifying-obsession/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Tanzler
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