Man Declared Dead by 3 Doctors Wakes Up in Morgue Just Hours Before Autopsy

The day before Jiménez was found 'dead', he complained of feeling ill, and while it's unknown exactly what caused his condition, officials described his body as showing signs of cyanosis – a purplish discolouration of the skin caused by poor circulation or lack of oxygen – in addition to rigor mortis.

Hospital officials have told Spanish media the faux fatality could be a case of catalepsy, in which the body enters a trance or seizure-like state, exhibiting a loss of consciousness and sensation, together with physical rigidity.

Just how Jiménez became cataleptic is unclear, although the prisoner experiences epilepsy, and takes medication for the condition – but his family says it isn't always easy for Jiménez to adhere to his medication schedule in lock-up, so that might have something to do with it.

His family, who have been allowed to visit Jiménez while he recovers in hospital, are contemplating legal action against the prison, convinced that only one doctor properly examined the prisoner's body, with the others simply copying the paperwork.

An official probe has now been opened to investigate what exactly happened here, and if any procedures weren't followed correctly.

In the hospital, it took 24 hours before Jiménez recovered consciousness in intensive care, and began to speak, which doctors say is a good sign.

When the 'dead man' woke up, he asked if he could see his wife.