Over 50 years ago, Dr. James Hiram Bedford became the first person to be cryogenically frozen, hoping modern science could one day revive him. Diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in 1967, Bedford turned to the experimental ideas of Dr. Robert Ettinger, author of *The Prospect of Immortality* and pioneer of cryonics.After his de ath on January 12, 1967, Bedford’s body was preserved with dimethyl sulfoxide by Robert Nelson. A psychology professor, WWI veteran, and adventurer, Bedford lived a rich life, traveling extensively and pursuing his passions. Now, over half a century later, questions remain: can science achieve the miracle he hoped for?