Two firefighters have been suspended after declaring a woman dead during a wellness check - despite her head moving.
Marshall Henry, from the fire service in Denver, US, was dispatched to a call on June 24 after growing concerns for a woman who hadn't been in contact with family or friends for five days.
Mr Henry, along with a police officer, went to her house when they found the woman who smelled like she was decomposing.
The officer said she had fluid leaking from her body and blue and purple skin - as the firefighter remained outside the home.
Denver Fire Lieutenant Patrick Lopez said to the firefighter it was pointless entering the house as she was 'obviously dead' and advised Mr Henry to stay outside.
Despite neither of them checking to see if the woman was dead, Mr Lopez told his colleague to call the emergency services so they could get a pronouncement of death from a local doctor.
Mr Henry answered questions from the doctor, who was asking about the woman's condition, and confirmed she was dead based on the information he was giving - despite not checking on her.
However, when a police officer went back into the woman's house to look for any guns, he saw the woman moving and immediately called the emergency services.
The police officer told the firefighters: “Guys I’m really sorry, I walked in to clear the house and when I was near her she moved her head.”
After the shocking discovery, an investigation was launched and disciplinary proceedings were taken against the two Denver Fire Department firefighters.
Mr Henry confessed he and his colleague hadn't entered the woman's house and didn't check on her condition.
His lieutenant later lied to his supervisors and told them the police officer said for the pair to remain outside the house.
The officer was forced to deny the firefighter's allegation.
However, the investigation concluded Mr Lopez 'more likely than not' attempted to lie to his supervisors and shift the blame onto the cop.
He has since been demoted from his position of lieutenant and was suspended without pay. Mr Henry was suspended but kept his position.
The report found the pair had failed in their jobs and had lied or misled others as public safety officials slammed the firefighters for hurting the department as they “brought disrepute on and compromised the integrity of the city.”
The pair have since served their suspensions and returned to work after having no previous complaints.
