ESTES PARK • In April of last year, John Cullen, the long-standing owner of the Stanley Hotel, embarked on a lengthy 14-hour journey to Norway with an unusual agenda – to negotiate the acquisition of a deceased man’s frozen grandfather.
As he sat on the plane, Cullen couldn’t help but question his purpose, pondering, “What am I doing here?” Yet, he found solace in the fact that he was his own boss, allowing him the freedom to engage in such unconventional ventures.
This peculiar expedition stemmed from Cullen’s previous ventures, including purchasing Colorado’s renowned and eccentric Frozen Dead Guy Days festival, which he later relocated from Nederland to Estes Park. His bold initiatives also extended to securing the festival’s macabre mascot, Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian national entombed in ice in Nederland following a failed cryonics experiment by his grandson.
Through a series of legal and logistical challenges, including enlisting the help of former Navy SEALs in a daring “rescue mission,” Cullen managed to breathe new life into the festival by not only acquiring and relocating it but also by housing Grandpa Bredo in the Stanley Hotel’s historic ice house, now transformed into the International Cryonics Museum.
The museum, showcasing the cryopreserved body of Bredo Morstøl at a chilling -320 degrees in liquid nitrogen, has become a distinctive attraction at Cullen’s esteemed hotel, known for its rich history and association with Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
With Grandpa Bredo now at rest in Estes Park, Frozen Dead Guy Days has found a new home, drawing in crowds for its quirky celebrations. Cullen’s visionary approach and storytelling prowess have not only revitalized the festival but have also contributed to the economic growth of Estes Park, earning him praise as a forward-thinker by Visit Estes Park CEO Kara Franker.
Cullen’s knack for storytelling and problem-solving has been instrumental in his success, from rescuing the Stanley Hotel from bankruptcy to spearheading innovative projects like the Stanley Film Center in collaboration with Blumhouse Productions. His latest endeavor with the cryonics museum adds another intriguing chapter to the hotel’s storied past.
As visitors explore the museum’s displays on cryonics, showcasing the science behind preserving life through subfreezing temperatures, they are confronted with the enigmatic world of cryopreservation and the tantalizing prospect of potential future advancements in medical technology.
The narrative of Grandpa Bredo’s journey from a shed in Nederland to a steel tank in Estes Park is not just a tale of preservation but also one of personal dedication and unexpected alliances. Wickham, who tended to Bredo for a decade, reflects on his role in the saga, grappling with his motivations and the weight of responsibility that came with caring for the frozen patriarch.
The convergence of technology, ethics, and personal beliefs in the realm of cryonics raises profound questions about mortality, identity, and the boundaries of scientific possibility. Alcor, the pioneering organization behind the cryonics movement, stands at the forefront of this debate, navigating the complexities of preserving human remains for potential revival in an uncertain future.
Despite the skepticism and controversy surrounding cryonics, proponents like Cullen and Alcor’s leadership remain steadfast in their belief in the transformative power of emerging technologies. The Alcor story, intertwined with Grandpa Bredo’s journey, serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring quest for immortality in the face of mortality.
As Grandpa Bredo finds his final resting place in the International Cryonics Museum, Wickham contemplates the end of his chapter in the frozen saga, finding closure in a story that defies convention and challenges perceptions of life and death. Frozen Dead Guy Days, once a burden, now offers Wickham a chance to be part of a larger narrative, free from the weight of past responsibilities.
In the strange and captivating world of cryonics, where science fiction meets reality, the story of Grandpa Bredo and the unlikely partnership between Cullen, Wickham, and Alcor unfolds as a testament to human curiosity, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling.