The recent storms caused significant damage at Erie Cemetery, leaving more than 100 trees down and disrupting numerous gravesites.
Cemetery officials say the damage is unlike anything they have seen before, with crews working around the clock since the storms moved through.
David Rinderle, Executive Director of Erie Cemetery, said the damage extends well beyond fallen trees.
“Well over 100 trees, easily, probably more than that,” Rinderle said. “There’s a lot of gravesites that have been disrupted, some mausoleums have been damaged. Some of our columbariums have been damaged, and then there’s many parts of our fence that have also been damaged as a result, so it’s significant.”
For safety reasons, Erie Cemetery is currently closed to visitors while crews assess the damage and begin cleanup efforts.
Rinderle said the response has been an all-hands-on-deck effort, with crews working to clear debris and address damage throughout the cemetery.
Despite the devastation, cemetery officials say they are grateful for the outpouring of support from the Erie community as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
The Erie Cemetery will share instructions about how to help and support with cleanup on their website, which you can find at the link below: