The exploration of death and its aftermath often invokes a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Gerald Ledford, an autopsy technician, offers a unique perspective into this realm through his popular TikTok account, where he enlightens his 1.4 million followers on the intricacies of his profession.

A recent inquiry from one of Ledford’s followers sparked a revealing discussion: What happens to piercings during an autopsy? The individual expressed a desire to preserve their piercings even after death.

Dispelling a common misconception, Ledford clarified, “The only one that I take out is your tongue ring.” He emphasized the necessity of this action to avoid interference with forensic procedures. This removal, he explained, is a standard practice in all autopsies, as it facilitates examinations to ensure no obstruction or presence of substances in the mouth.

Ledford’s informative revelation garnered significant attention, amassing over 215,000 likes and 2.5 million views on TikTok. Viewers expressed shock at the notion of tongue removal, with some incredulous that such a procedure is routine.

In a lighthearted exchange, one individual humorously remarked, “You will be putting it back, I have it twice and I’m not going through the swelling pain for nothing even in death.” Another shared a personal anecdote about preserving their spouse’s piercings before cremation.

Ledford’s videos not only unveil the intricacies of his profession but also highlight the unpredictability of his workload. He recounted his busiest day, during which he performed eight autopsies—a testament to the fluctuating nature of his job.

Through his engaging content, Ledford provides valuable insights into the often-misunderstood world of autopsy technicians, sparking thought-provoking conversations and dispelling myths along the way.