Cemeteries can be dangerous places. How many children have been killed by toppling old tombstones I have no idea, but I’d guess it’s been quite a few. As genealogists, we love old cemeteries. However, if we’re taking young children, we must keep a close eye on them – and warn them of the dangers. Four-year old Carson Cheney died here in Utah yesterday when a stone fell on him. Looking at my own grandchildren with me here today, I can’t help but sympathize with this family. Following is an excerpt from an article on the Deseret News website today.
PARK CITY [Utah] — A 4-year-old Lehi boy died Thursday after a 100-year-old headstone fell on top of him.
The boy was with his family at the historic Glenwood Cemetery, 402 Silver King Drive, when the accident occurred about 6 p.m. Carson Dean Cheney was taken to Park City Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, police said.
The private, nonprofit cemetery was established in the late 1800s and marks the burial locations for many of Park City’s founders.
“(It’s) very unfortunate, certainly something we’ve never seen before nor have I heard of and I just feel very bad for everyone involved in this,” said Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter. “Everyone has been devastated by this.”
Police say Carson and his family were taking pictures in the cemetery when the 6-foot headstone came crashing down on his chest and head.
“It sounded like his hands were on the top of it and as it came back, it landed on him,” Carpenter said.
Family members removed the headstone and called 911. Nearby residents watched the commotion.
