Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Pallor Mortis, Algor Mortis: Forensic Science Explains Stages of Death

What happens to your body after death? In this video, we explain the four post-mortem signs forensic scientists use to determine time of death — pallor mortis (pale skin), algor mortis (body cooling), rigor mortis (muscle stiffening), and livor mortis (blood pooling). Learn why bodies turn pale within minutes, how temperature drops predictably, why muscles stiffen from calcium release and ATP depletion, and how purple discoloration reveals both time AND cause of death. Whether you're a forensic science student, a crime drama fan, or fascinated by what happens after death, this beginner-friendly animated explainer covers all four stages. CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Crime drama scene: how do forensic experts determine time of death? 0:45 – Four post-mortem signs appear in the first 24-48 hours 1:00 – Sign 1: Pallor Mortis — skin turns pale (15-30 min after death) 1:24 – Sign 2: Algor Mortis — body cools ~1°C per hour (not perfectly accurate) 2:41 – Sign 3: Rigor Mortis — calcium release + ATP dep