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Timeline reveals moments leading up to Southfield woman falsely pronounced dead

Funeral Home Woman Alive
Posted at 11:27 AM, Aug 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-26 12:21:29-04

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee shared a timeline of what happened the day paramedics responded to the call for Timesha Beauchamp.

Southfield FD blasts attorney for 'erroneous claims' on woman found alive at funeral home

Menifee said that on Aug. 23, a 911 call was received, reporting that a 20-year-old woman was unconscious and not breathing.

At 7:34 a.m, the Southfield Fire Department arrived on scene.

At 7:35 a.m., live-saving procedures were initiated. At 8:07 a.m., the Southfield Police Department arrived.

At 8:09 a.m., officials contacted Providence Hospital. Between 8:09 and 8:38, department personnel moved in and out trying to clear the scene, Menifee said.

A family member approached fire department personnel and said they heard Beauchamp breathing. Menifee said the fire department immediately grabbed equipment and reassessed, and did not find her breathing.

The fire department left after that.

A family member then told Southfield police that they felt a heartbeat. Menifee said Southfield police went back to reassess for the third time and still did not detect signs of life.

The scene was cleared at 8:38 a.m.

At 8:53, Southfield police contacted the Oakland County Medical Examiner and reported their findings.

Hours later, staff at the James H. Cole funeral home realized Beauchamp was still breathing.

"Ultimately, what transpired here with Ms. Beauchamp is unique and unsettling," Menifee said. "We are still investigating to determine what happened on that Sunday."