Headstones damaged 16 months ago still not replaced in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – In April 2023, headstones were damaged when an alleged drunk driver crashed through a cemetery in Northampton.

More than 20 headstones were mangled when Northampton Police say a 19-year old came barreling through the cemetery after a night of drinking. Last summer, Matthew James Dulude pled not guilty to several charges connected to this crash, including O-U-I and speeding.

One of the damaged stones belongs to Joyce Driscoll’s brother, Jeffrey Bardwell. Sixteen months later, the headstone still has a visible damage.

“It irritates you, especially because it’s been this long,” said Driscoll. “I drive by all the time to go to the grocery store, and you look over and you’re just like still not yet?”

The Superintendent of the cemetery told the I-Team that the headstones are not St. Mary’s responsibility. Instead, they are owned by the families after being purchased through Dorsey Memorials. Insurance claims were filed for the damaged stones.

At the time of the crash, Dorsey Memorials told 22News that it would cost about $75,000 to $120,000 to fix all the headstones.

“I want to see it fixed this year, not two years from now,” said Driscoll. “It’s already been long enough.”

The 22News I-Team has tried multiple times to get in contact with Dorsey Memorials for an update on when the rest of the headstones might get fixed. We have not heard back from them at this time.

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