Experiencing Interruptions?

Cremains Unknown

Danielle McCarthy, a Gold Star wife, unexpectedly lost her husband, David, a U.S. Veteran, in 2017. His body was brought to Sunset Mesa in Montrose, Colorado to be cremated. One day, she received a call from the FBI informing her that the cremains she had may not be her husband after all. As a result of the FBI investigation, Danielle learned David’s body had been sold without her consent and later learned it's not considered illegal in the state of Colorado. This is Danielle’s story.

  • Jake Dagel
    Director
  • Megan MacGrath
    Producer
  • Jake Dagel
    Executive Producer
  • Alex Fahl
    Director of Photography
  • Josh Horton
    Sound Designer
  • Wade Yamaguchi
    Drone Operator
  • Josh Boehnke
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 34 seconds
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Reel Teal Film Festival
    Willmington, NC
    United States
    February 1, 2024
    Best Documentary
  • Pueblo Film Festival
    Pueblo, CO
    United States
    April 26, 2024
    Nominated for Best Documentary
  • Ridgway Independent Film Fest
    Ridgway, CO
    United States
    People's Choice Award
  • Mainstreet Short Film Festival at The Esquire
    Carthage, TX
    United States
    Semi Finalist
  • 307 International Film Festival
    Laramie, WY
    August 31, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Four Corners Film Festival
    Farmington, NM
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Horsetooth Fest
    Fort Collins, CO
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival
    Colorado Springs, CO
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Pikes Peak docuFEST
    Colorado Springs, CO
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Castle Rock Film Festival
    Castle Rock, CO
    United States
    Official Selection
  • Grand Mesa Short Film Festival
    Cedaredge, CO
    United States
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jake Dagel

Jake Dagel, the driving force behind Soul Theory Media, merges his extensive political background with a passion for film to inspire positive change. Throughout his career, he has worked on a diverse array of projects, including short films, feature films, and documentaries. Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Jake learned the values of trustworthiness and hard work, which he brings to every endeavor. Currently, he is pursuing a B.S. in Digital Cinematography at Full Sail University, further honing his expertise and commitment to impactful storytelling.

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Director Statement

Film is not just a medium of entertainment; it is a profound tool for inspiration and transformation. When I first met Danielle, her extraordinary story and the immense trauma she had endured left an indelible mark on me. Her experiences, along with those of countless others affected by the devastating events at Sunset Mesa in Montrose, Colorado and the tragedy of Return to Nature in Colorado Springs, Colorado, revealed a shocking truth: these heart-wrenching events, which have shattered many lives, remain legal. By bringing Danielle's story to light, we aim to illuminate these hidden injustices and raise public consciousness about the legal loopholes that allow such tragedies to occur.

This film is not just a narrative; it is a call to action. Our goal is to mobilize communities, policymakers, and advocates to push for legislative changes that protect families from similar experiences in the future. Join us in our mission to inspire change and create a safer, more just world through the power of film.