Dead man successfully frozen at -200 C

The dead man is named 'Patient One'

The entire process took place at a cost of cost of $170,000

Southern Cryonics, the operator of the Southern Hemisphere’s first known cryonics facility, has successfully cryogenically frozen its first client at their Holbrook site in Australia. The client, a man in his 80s, died in Sydney and was subsequently frozen at minus 200 degrees Celsius, earning the title ‘Patient One.’

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Philip Rhoades, the facility manager at Southern Cryonics, described the experience as “very stressful” due to the numerous procedures and potential complications involved. Although the company has been ready to accept bodies since earlier this year, the first client came unexpectedly. 

We’re thrilled to announce our first successful cryonics suspension with Patient 1! Thanks to our incredible team and partners for their swift and dedicated efforts. A major milestone for Southern Cryonics and CryoPath! 🚀❄️ #Cryonics #Innovation #TeamWork

— Southern Cryonics (@StaSysAus) May 20, 2024

‘Patient One’ passed away on May 12 in a Sydney hospital, initiating the 10-hour preservation process immediately. His body was initially cooled to around 6 degrees Celsius using ice packs. Doctors then infused a liquid antifreeze to preserve the cells and lower the temperature further. Subsequently, the body was wrapped in a specialized sleeping bag and packed in dry ice to reach minus 80 degrees Celsius. The following day, it was transferred to the Holbrook facility, where it awaited the arrival of liquid nitrogen for the final cooling phase to minus 200 degrees Celsius, before being placed in a vacuum storage pod.

The entire preservation process cost $170,000, with additional medical fees. The Holbrook facility, currently housing one dewar capable of fitting four bodies, has room for expansion to accommodate up to 40 bodies, a capacity that the company anticipates may soon be necessary.