Puzzle: Mr. Gray´s Anatomy

Mr. Gray's life was going perfectly. He was healthy, successful, and had a beautiful family. Therefore his parents were shocked when he made a very strange request. Mr. Gray asked that his head be cut off. Why did he make this bizarre request?
Clues:
Q: Did Mr. Gray simply want to commit suicide?
A: No.
Q: Would it have been legal for Mr. Gray’s parents to comply with his request?
A: Yes.
Q: Might Mr. Gray have made the same request if it had been 1892 instead of 1992.
A: No.