Diego Felix dos Santos from Brazil was able to hear his late father's voice again with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Using the Eleven Labs platform, he generated new messages in his father's voice, making his memories and conversations feel almost like a real experience. This experience is part of the Grief Tech trend.
AI and Grief Tech: Diego Felix dos Santos from Brazil had the experience of hearing his late father's voice again in July 2025. Upon returning to Scotland, he realized that he had no mementos of his father left, except for a voice note sent from the hospital. Dos Santos used an AI platform called Eleven Labs to generate new messages in his father's voice. This technology gave him the opportunity to feel his father's memories as if they were real and provided emotional support to the family.
Memories Revived Through AI
In July 2025, dos Santos used an AI platform called Eleven Labs, which was launched in 2022 and functions as a voice generator tool. For a monthly fee of $22, he had new messages created in his father's voice. Upon hearing them on the app, phrases like "Hi son, how are you?" and his father's nickname "Bossy" could be heard, making Diego feel as if they were having a real conversation.
Initially, the family objected to the AI technology due to religious beliefs, but they gradually accepted it. Now, dos Santos and his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, are considering creating their own digital voice clones to ensure their presence remains with the family in the future.
Grief Tech
Dos Santos's experience is part of a trend known as "Grief Tech." This AI technology is being developed to provide emotional support after the loss of loved ones. US-based startups StoryFile and HereAfter AI are already offering tools that can create digital identities or voice-based interactive avatars.
Eternos, a company founded in 2024, has also ventured into this area. Founder Robert Locascio initiated the creation of an AI-based digital twin after his father's passing. Over 400 people have now created interactive avatars on this platform. Subscription plans starting from $25 help families access the stories and memories of their loved ones.
Ethical and Emotional Questions
While this technology opens new avenues for managing grief, it also raises serious questions about consent, data security, and commercial interests. Experts believe that although this technology offers emotional support, it should not become a reason to postpone or alter the natural grieving process.
