Funeral Home Van Towed With Body Inside

NEW YORK (AP) -- A police tow truck removed a minivan that was parked outside a Manhattan funeral home -- giving its dearly departed passenger an unexpected side trip.

Redden's Funeral Home Director Paul DeNigris says he was "a wreck" after discovering the van missing Monday outside Redden's Funeral Home.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne says there was "nothing to indicate it was more than just an illegally parked car."

DeNigris said a windshield placard reading "Funeral Director on Official Business" had fallen flat. The van's tinted windows helped obscure the white cardboard box that held the remains.

DeNigris rushed to the tow pound, where he discreetly explained the circumstances.

He got the body to Newark Airport in time for a flight to Miami.

He plans to fight the $115 parking ticket.