Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Family Names Four-Year-Old as Eli David After Cemetery Gravestone Collapse

After police ruled the death accidental, a coroner’s inquest has been opened as Rossendale Borough Council launches an investigation into the gravestone collapse.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • A heavy stone cross detached from its base and fell onto a four-year-old boy at Rawtenstall Cemetery on July 5, killing him despite emergency services’ efforts.
  • Lancashire Police confirmed the death was accidental, ruled out suspicious circumstances and passed a file to HM Coroner.
  • Rossendale Borough Council is collaborating with relevant agencies to investigate the collapse and examine cemetery maintenance standards.
  • Relatives returned to the site with flowers and tributes identifying the boy as Eli David, prompting community-wide mourning.
  • A fundraising campaign has been launched to cover funeral expenses as the tragedy intensifies demands for stricter headstone inspection routines.