KRDO13 Investigates: Colorado Springs funeral home disciplined after repeated violations
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - A Colorado Springs funeral home and crematory has been disciplined by state regulators after inspectors documented a series of violations during multiple inspections spanning nearly a year. The owners of the funeral home tell KRDO13 Investigates that they dispute how the state characterized the violations and are now operating in full compliance.
According to a June 18 Letter of Admonition issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), state inspectors documented multiple violations at Simply Cremation and Funeral Services during inspections conducted between May 2025 and March 2026.
The letter identifies violations involving refrigeration temperatures, temperature logs, chain-of-custody procedures, labeling of human remains and cremains, and documentation related to the release of cremated remains.
One of the violations documented repeatedly involved a refrigeration unit.
According to the letter, inspectors measured a refrigeration unit at approximately 50 degrees during an inspection on May 9, 2025. The same issue was documented again during a reinspection on Nov. 6, 2025.
In a March inspection from this year, investigators again say that the refrigeration unit was above 39 degrees, but they did not say by how much.
State regulations cited in the disciplinary letter require refrigeration units used for human remains to be maintained at no more than 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
The letter also states inspectors found deficiencies involving temperature logs, concerns regarding chain of custody, issues involving the labeling of human remains and cremains, and documentation deficiencies related to the release of cremated remains.
Several of the violations were identified by the state as repeat violations.
Additionally, the letter states the business did not respond to inspection reports issued by regulators following inspections.
DORA ultimately issued a Letter of Admonition as its disciplinary action.
According to the letter, a Letter of Admonition becomes a permanent public part of a licensee's disciplinary record, but does not restrict the business's ability to continue operating.
In response to questions from KRDO13 Investigates, DORA said the June 18 Letters of Admonition and a 2022 disciplinary order are the only publicly available disciplinary records regarding Simply Cremation and Funeral Services. The agency said Colorado law makes investigative records and other materials related to disciplinary proceedings confidential.
When asked why the agency issued a Letter of Admonition, DORA said disciplinary decisions are made based on the totality of the circumstances, including whether a violation can be readily corrected, whether it is a repeat occurrence, and whether it could cause harm to the public. The agency also said no inspections have been conducted at Simply Cremation and Funeral Services since March 10.
KRDO13 Investigates contacted Simply Cremation and Funeral Services seeking comment regarding the violations outlined in the disciplinary action. During an initial phone call, the person who answered disconnected the call as we began explaining the purpose of the inquiry. A subsequent call went directly to voicemail. We left a voicemail and also sent questions by email.
The following day, the company responded by email. The following statement reflects Simply Cremation's response to the disciplinary action and the findings outlined by DORA:
Hello Paige,
Simply Cremation takes our responsibility to families and regulatory compliance very seriously. While we dispute DORA's characterization of the findings and do not believe they accurately reflected conditions or procedures at our facility at the time, we used the inspection as an opportunity to further strengthen our operations. We immediately implemented additional safeguards upon receiving the report and are now operating in full compliance. The State's decision to issue only a written warning reflects the minor nature of the concerns raised in their inspection.
To avoid a prolonged and costly appeal, we waived that right so we could put the matter behind us. Per DORA Program Director Tracy Martinez, our agreement to waive the right to appeal and accept the letter of admonishment—which is the lowest form of discipline—closes any further disciplinary action. The decision by the Director placed no restrictions on our practice as a crematory establishment, thus reflecting the full confidence of the Director and allowing us to maintain focus on the families that we diligently serve in our community.
Our staff remains dedicated to affordable and quality services for local families. Throughout our 15+ years of operation, we can unequivocally assure the public that we have never had a single instance of remains being lost, misidentified, or given to the wrong family. We remain deeply committed to providing compassionate, respectful care to every family we serve.
Respectfully submitted,
Simply Cremation
KRDO13 Investigates followed up with Simply Cremation, asking the company to specify which findings they dispute and to describe the additional safeguards they say were implemented following the inspections.
We will update this article if we receive additional information.
If you have information you believe the public needs to know, KRDO13 Investigates wants to hear from you. Tips can be submitted by emailing 13Investigates@krdo.com.
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