Plan in place for damaged Dalton gravestones to be repaired

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — In 2022, a drunk driver crashed into West Hill Cemetery in Dalton and damaged many gravesites. Almost a year later, families of the deceased may now be able to get reimbursed to make needed repairs.

Early in the morning on October 2, 2022, a driver lost control of his vehicle and ran off of Emery Street into the cemetery. Dalton Police say he hit more than a dozen gravesites, damaged headstones and other markers. Authorities also charged the driver with DUI.

Dalton’s Public Works Department now has a plan for those affected to be reimbursed by an insurance company.

The city owns and operates the cemetery, but does not own the individual gravesites or headstones. Therefore, the insurance company could not send the funds to the city directly.

Now, the City of Dalton says families should perform the repairs needed to the gravesites. Afterwards, the insurance company can reimburse them.

The Public Works Department says families affected should contact Chad Townsend for information on how to begin this process. He can be reached at 706-278-7077.