4 YEAR OLD BOY CRUSHED BY GRAVESTONE. The Brandon Schwartz Story.

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THIS STORY:
In 1986, four-year-old Brandon Schwartz was walking with his parents at the Jewish Waldheim Cemetery in suburban Chicago when a 500-pound granite marker fell from a 16-inch-high base, pinning him underneath.
The cemetery is still today a very hazardous place to walk.
THIS CHANNEL:
_________________________________________________________
The Angel face you see is the Haserot, named “The Angel of Death Victorious". The stoic angel is seated on the marble gravestone of canning entrepreneur Francis Haserot and his family. Holding an extinguished torch upside-down, it represents a symbol of life extinguished. Wings are outstretched and the gaze is straight ahead.
IN THE END, DEATH ALWAYS WINS. LEST THE FACES NOT BE FORGOTTEN...
This channel is focused on casually walking and viewing a handful of the thousands of forgotten names and faces at various cemeteries near and afar. Seeing their faces up close. And when able, telling the stories behind their names.
Most graves are unknown and lost to history.
Some are famous.
And some infamous....
....and some with tragic endings.
#graves #cemeteries #death

[@ellennewth6305]

This is one of the reasons many "modern" cemeteries do not allow "free standing" markers and insist grave stones be placed directly in the ground. May little Brandon and his loved ones R.I.P. Excellent vlog, Ron!

[@IrishAnnie]

And, it’s easier to maintain with mowing the grass.

[@TexasLadyS]

The only reason they do that is so they can mow over the stones instead of mowing around them and then using the weed eater to get close. It saves time and money on maintenance.

[@rebeccadewaele9209]

One of my Mom's good friends actually saved someone from a gravestone. She happened to be at the right place at the right time. She was at a cemetery when she saw a woman shirtless and waving her clothing in the air. And when she took a closer look, a gravestone landed on the women's foot. She was there for quite sometime and went almost into shock. She was part of the military so she took her shirt off and started waving for help. The woman was grateful that my Mom's friend rescued her, she could have lost her foot and she was dehydrated from being under the sun for too long. Gave her an angel necklace and apparently they still talk to each other to this very day. So yeah, definitely be careful around gravestones....

[@joycebrackbill-henderly8311]

Oh my goodness!!

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

wow. thanks for sharing.

[@diannecockrell3210]

Goodness what a story with a happy ending. Thanks for sharing and warning people.

[@czechmate6916]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m glad everything turned out OK and a new friendship was born 🙏🙏✝️✝️♥️❤️

[@blazefairchild465]

What an amazing story ! Thank goodness your moms friend was able to help !

[@IrishAnnie]

Yes Ron, new tall stones have rods to support the stone. My family has a large “Family” stone and it did not have rods. My aunt had a memorial stone company fix it with rods and cement. My husband’s family is in a cemetery that has “perpetual care.” His grandparents stones are being reset. Sinking, tipping. When you see stones in disrepair, the families are most likely deceased and there is no one to request repairs. This cemetery should do just as you say and lay them down to prevent a tragedy. ❤

[@bettyprice7428]

Often times there all of the family has died out. It should be up to the graveyard to fix it but they often do not because there is no one following it. About the only time you see repairs being made on time are church yards. graveyard

[@user-tp5ee5hq2e]

It would be a blessing if family would take care of these things.😢

[@IrishAnnie]

@@user-tp5ee5hq2e As I have discovered, family is long gone. Years ago, families would go to the cemeteries after church, plant flowers, clean the stones and picnic. After television, those traditions were put aside and now, long gone. When I see mold covered stones, I see the neglect and clean them.

[@Dimcle]

A lot of those stones were apparently caulked around only the edges. Once that narrow seam is breached, it's game over.

[@TheKayc136]

Here in England I remember being upset they were laying down headstones in cemeteries and if family didn't have them repaired, they were removed. I can understand now why 😢

[@judyclark5736]

I believe they do that in Sweden, also.

[@DorisVoerster]

This reminds me of many years ago when my two year old brother had his leg broken by a falling tombstone. He was just standing there. This is an unbelievably sad story. That precious little boy 😢. Perpetual care doesn’t mean much in too many cemeteries. 💜

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

How is your brother doing? Did he heal well and go on to have a good life?

[@DorisVoerster]

@@Joy-TheLazyCatLady He healed up very well. He was actually pretty cute in his little cast. He’s in his early sixties now and I’m very grateful we had a happy ending. Thanks for asking, Joy 💜. You must be a cat lover like me!

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

@@DorisVoerster I do love my cats. I am alone most of the time so they have become my kids. I am glad your brother had a happy ending. 😊

[@donnabare2337]

Same thing happened to a 4 year old girl near where I live in 2012. Happened in a church cemetery.😢

[@mikeforce5926]

I bet it happens a lot.There are many stones leaning.

[@meredithcook9586]

💔

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

@@javachipcoffeeyoutubechann4597 You have a morbid sense of humor.

[@deborahfaulk5532]

The story about the little boy was so sad. I never thought about a tall tombstone toppling over and killing anyone, what a scary thought. Stay safe on the road Ron

[@kellysouter4381]

On mother's day, his mother lost her child. Irony.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

For some reason I thought the headstones were secured to the base stone. Apparently not.

[@deborahfaulk5532]

@@kellysouter4381 so sad

[@deborahfaulk5532]

@@LuvBorderCollies I did too

[@JessRare]

@@LuvBorderColliesthat’s how they use to be yrs ago…they make them with rods that help keep them together

[@fallonbea]

Wow, I go out with my brother to locate graves and never thought of such a thing happening. Thank you for this information! And I totally agree with your idea of laying them on top of the graves… that is still respectful and eliminates the danger.

[@IrishAnnie]

I clean my family stones. I won’t touch one that is tipping or loose. Children cannot run and play in cemeteries for their own safety.

[@susanna3]

What a tragedy! Poor little Brandon😢 Visiting the grave on Mother's Day of a grandparent is such a common occurrence. It's hard to fathom how Brandon's parents could recover from this loss.💔 It really is shocking when you showed us how many stones are an accident waiting to happen just in that general area Ron! Wow. Thank you for telling Brandon's story, and maybe what you suggested doing might save others from injury❤

[@irishcountrygirl78]

Similar thing happened to a little boy in our community, but it was a steal container door, the container was being moved and the little fella adored his uncle so he was stood watching his uncle move it across the yard, same age as little Brandon, the door came off and crushed him. The wake was devastating. I can't even imagine the pain of the loss. He was in my child's classroom so we all were fairly close. Babies that age are so fragile, but even a grown man with that weight on him wouldn't have stood a chance. They say you could hear his mothers screams throughout the hills around, so yes, l 100% agree, put those headstones down flat.

[@karencarbone2603]

What a sad story 😢 Ron. I can,t imagine how those parents felt to turn around and see that horror! R.I.P. Brandon and the Schwartz family.

[@Moneydude-gy3mm]

What reverence you have in discussing the deceased. This one was particularly heartbreaking, but you always manage to lead us through it.

[@shirleyashanti3031]

I remember this tragedy. Some cemeteries don't allow the upright stones without rod support and have to be bought from an approved dealer. Rest in peace, precious one.

[@vee5196]

That's very sad. Rest in paradise little Brandon 🙏. Thank you for his story.

[@user-re5bu8co8f]

Ty Ron for telling this lil boy Brandon what happened to him. Super sad story of this poor lil boy ..I hope he is resting in peace rip.young child ....Ron you stay safe out there and take care too...have a good week ahead sir.. 💖👍...Mary from Arkansas 🙂

[@kimberlybrown4557]

How sad indeed. Who would ever think going to visit a loved one at a cemetery could fatal. What a freak accident. Breaks my heart for the little boy and his parents. I totally agree with you on laying down the headstones its just a matter of time.😍

[@naomisgram1]

How terrible! I’ve never even given a thought to this possibility as I’ve walked through an older cemetery! Thanks for talking about this danger 😢

[@nancyvolke237]

That is why I want cremation!!! Our family is very small, along the way, there won't be someone to take care of thumbstones, no one will be able to pay for that maintenance. It's so sad to hear what happened to that little guy!!!😢

[@pegs1659]

My family has a family spot in a cemetery. My dad and grandmother are cremated and the cremains are buried there, my mom and brother were buried there. I want to be cremated and even though I would like to be buried with my family, I told my kids its ok to spread my ashes in anyplace they think I would like.

[@Thecorgially]

Although I like the upright headstones, something to be sad for the flat ones. RIP to the little one and his family.

[@alican5695]

I love doing genealogy and frequent older cemeteries such as this one - I’ve always had the fear of stones tipping like you discussed. My heart goes out to Brandon’s family. ❤

[@AShroudOfTruth]

Another 4 year old little boy died from the same accident, a fallen headstone on July 5, 2012. It happened in the Park City, Utah graveyard. The child's name was Carson Dean Cheney. In June 2012, the month before this boys death, another 4-year-old North Carolina girl was killed when a massive cross fell off a tombstone as she played before Bible study class. The following year, a cemetery worker in Texas died after a tombstone weighing about a ton fell on him in Edinburg. In September 2014, a 4-year-old child suffered a serious head injury when a tombstone fell on him in the Albany, New York, area.

[@naomisgram1]

😢

[@deniseboldea1624]

I've personally never had much use for giant gravestones, once your gone you really don't need something that fancy. Many cemeteries don't even allow the tall ones in newer sections anymore.

[@ardensinn8518]

Never thought they were inherently dangerous, but obviously so. Thanks Ron for making us more aware. Seems the city/ county would set codes.

[@marienash1033]

Rest in Paradise Brandon. I was told that it was easier to mow the lawns with stones that are flat. This was the first that i have heard of the stones falling and crushing people. I think the story went on for to long.

[@alphonserobichaud1278]

Thank you Ron, I never gave it a thought about a stone falling on us. Now I will be more careful

[@meluv2sing4ever]

So sad. Laying the stones down is a good idea like the flat stones with vases. There was a huge 1,200 lb statue fell on a little girl at the small cemetery near Boone, NC several years ago. Heartbreaking.

[@Denise1973]

Thanks Ron, for bringing awareness of this. My granddaughter and I walk around,in an older cemetery and I never even thought about this happening. Very scary 😢

[@judyclark5736]

I have never seen that problem. So tragic!! Kids do like to climb on stones, but still, it's terrible if they just collapse.

[@jeffbuelt6953]

Good advice Ron to lay them down

[@heatherdavis8037]

I remember reading about a family was taking engagement photos or, I also read about a mother taking pictures of her kids taking photos of her little kids peeking out around the stones and one fell on one of the children. It was a while ago. I don't remember where it happened. It was tragic. Edit.. They were taking pictures at a family reunion at an historic cemetery. Just heartbreaking

[@joycebrackbill-henderly8311]

Wow! It's mind boggling!! The odds of it happening right at that time seems astronomical. 😮

[@itsthe773guero5]

Great work here as always sir...... this is one of those stories I will never forget...... so many times you and I have walked past fallen grave monuments or headstones and have wondered "what if"..... to now know a true story in which this kind of tragedy occurred is sad but touching..... thanks to Jackie for enlightening you on this one

[@LuvBorderCollies]

Checked it out via Google Map satellite and that is a big cemetery. From the road view the headstones are so many it looks as thick as a cornfield. It would take a long time to find a specific grave if you didn't have a map and/or very good directions. Before checking the satellite view I was thinking there must be a soil condition problem, otherwise what could explain the thousands of leaning off-kilter stones. A clue was in one review left on Google Map and that was about the flooding in the area. I got the impression that sections of the cemetery are prone to flooding a lot. So that makes a lot of sense with all that weight on soggy soil. Then combine with any variation in soil compaction and you'll have stuff leaning every which direction. Think of the Leaning Tower of Piza in Italy, same issue just a much larger structure. ADD:: The Des Plaines River runs right next to the cemetery so it all makes sense now.

[@frankybryant8787]

Laying them down is an excellent idea

[@ritagreen9528]

Ron, what a wild story 😲 You do a great job of telling these stories. Thank you and have an amazing blessed week ❤️🙏❤️

[@graceandglory1948]

I've never heard of this before. Shocking!

[@carollderkacy5164]

Thank you for the education regarding the grave stones. How many of us go to the cemetery and are deep in thought and not noticing our surroundings. The story was a sad tragic experience! R.I.P.

[@denisedarnell1641]

I remember this story about this young boy...so very sad ...thanks for remembering him and his family...what a heartbreak

[@donnaelkins186]

❤😊 Great story Ron. Thank you for sharing. You never think of a stone falling while you walk the cemeteries.

[@robertpresha9504]

That is a sad story and it sounds spooky.I am a retired carpenter if I lived around there I would go in there and fix all of them for nothing. I know what to do with rods a concrete.

[@dawnprochilo8084]

Thanks for sharing Ron, such a tragic thing to happen. Those poor parents. RIP Schwartz family.

[@jessicaboisvert3138]

What a sad story and I enjoyed watching this thanks Ron for sharing this and others you have done, have a great week.

[@redrooster1908]

Vending machines falling on people has killed them.Very odd accident and sad here about a boy killed under a falling headstone. And after Father survived the Holocaust and suffered so much already. 😢

[@barbaratankersley7117]

You know I really love to hear you tell the stories I can hear the sadness in your voice

[@jennifert2953]

This one broke my heart. Life is so precious.

[@isabelltecaxco-yd3lw]

Thank you Ron for sharing this sad story about Brandon precious little boy, it's so scary how fragile life can be. I'm watching you from Tucson Arizona. Stay safe out there Ron

[@Nixon6414]

Very sad about the little boy. Thank you for such an informative video.

[@H_H_____]

Imagine how many people you have educated on the risk of death or severe injury from falling head stones and memorial stones. Ron, you are a treasure. ❤

[@melanienance4920]

That is so horribly sad. Hope the cemetery takes better care and precautions. Thanks for the story Ron.

[@johno30197]

Thank's for sharing mate

[@patriciahall3111]

So sad, what today brings, tomorrow is not promise. Fly high with your beautiful angel wings.

[@bigchevy350boy]

Something you surely don't think about. So sad this happened to this young man. I can't even imagine how terrifying that was for the family while there on that tragic day 🙏 💚 thank you for remembering the forgotten. We all appreciate all you do 💯

[@americanpatriot2422]

Always an outstanding video and presentation

[@bleepbloopbleep]

Thanks Ron very informative and interesting, you rock!

[@carmelasoares1081]

Thanks for all the prayers and respect you have given them.bless you 🙏

[@LuvvyDuck]

Poor little guy. 😢 Thank you for telling his story.

[@donnarouse9432]

Good to see you again!

[@peterredfern1174]

Morning Ron and everyone from ballarat in Oz,hope you all are well,👋👋🙏🙏👍🇦🇺

[@peterredfern1174]

We re more to the east of sovereign hill near the wildlife park,hope you and yours are safe and well,👋👋👍

[@suesheldon6875]

So sad for him to die in a terrible way Rip little one sleep well😢😢😢😢

[@cazkellie]

Really enjoyed your stream thanks Ron #Rip beautiful boy❤❤

[@jerriewyatt905]

A lot of the tall stones look like they’re leaning.. I wouldn’t want to walk amongst them..The stone you measured looks repaired at the top..I agree lay it down over the top of the grave..

[@brendastibolt6672]

This was a very sad story. Thank you Ron.

[@Tracywhited2]

Such an important one for us graveyard visitors to see. I’ll be way more aware when out now. Thanks for sharing. Bless his soul.

[@nancyparrish3297]

So sad !! Thanks Ron for sharing this RIP Brandon.

[@jacquelinedenambtman]

Rest in peace Brandon Schwartz and family.🙏🙏🙏 thanks for sharing this st0ry. In Holland we also have cemeteries with "bad" and dangerous headstones, even at the cemetry where I am working

[@DDExplores]

What a horrible way to die ! Thank you for another amazing and respectful video

[@randomthings3334]

Sad story, as a father I could never imagine how his dad felt at that moment. All these years walking in cemeteries I never thought of stones tipping over. I will be vigilant now, thanks Ron for the great video as always.

[@donw3912]

A great video on a sad story. i had never thought of stones falling and hurting let alone killing someone. I was wanting a vertical one myself but after hearing this i understand why some cemeteries do not allow vertical tombstones. I can't imagine what his final moments were before it fell on him. I hope he resting in peace. Rest well little one, you are not forgotten at all.

[@kayleeg1019]

This was a great video on educating people who enjoy visiting their loved ones and just cemetery’s in general. It’s something I would of never thought of happening! Thanks for sharing and making everyone aware of the dangers we could potentially run into. So very sad this little one lost his life but it wasn’t in vain.❤

[@sylviamiller9047]

Wow! Thank you for sharing and remembering this little boy 😢 this is a sad story and it can happen very easily again 😭 fix this scary big problem before another life is lost! Prayers for the little boys family and all who are left to grieve this great loss!

[@IrishAnnie]

Families used to picnic in cemeteries before TV. They would clean family stones and plant flowers. Kids would climb over the stones and sometimes with tragic results. Horrible.

[@bridgettlofgren2489]

This is an important service message to be careful around stones. I thank you & will spread the word to my family & friends to avoid this tragedy. ❤

[@lizzierankin-fe9kj]

😢😢😢 that's heart breaking 💔 poor little boy .....it just fell on him RIP little angel. You told everything with compassion and reverence which is what you always do. And I find that so touching. I'm so pleased that you the story of those who have been forgotten XXXX

[@denisehibbs9576]

Wow! Thank you for warning people of this potential problem ! I never would have thought of that.

[@kathygillan3244]

I had no idea they do that. Thank you for the informative walk.

[@gigicostlow4414]

Such a sad story. You told it with so much compassion and respect. There have been others killed by tombstones. There was one this year but the man killed was helping to reset an old tombstone and there was a woman killed by one about a year ago. There are others besides them. When I see one leaning I don't get near it. Here in MS we don't get the ice like up north. A lot of the ones here fall over because the ground starts sinking under them.

[@roknrolbilly]

hi ron! always enjoy your videos from tacoma washington.......

[@mikeforce5926]

Great video Ron.That was a freak accident but it could happen again.

[@marriemalta3716]

Hi Ron you are such a good companion while I can never sleep. That's a sad story, you would never think that anything or anyone in a cemetery could get killed, 😔

[@dannettepeters1507]

Maybe we should do away with these massive headstones altogether with a height limit.

[@deannawiederhold3326]

Just remember that a dresser in your Bedroom could crush your child also.

[@dannettepeters1507]

@@deannawiederhold3326 Well yes, "maybe" in an earthquake, but it is not just going to fall over if a child walks past it, nor does it weigh 1,000lbs or more.

[@meerkatmeerkat2398]

No.

[@lisad1532]

Agree

[@dannettepeters1507]

@@meerkatmeerkat2398 What is your solution to a dangerous public hazard? Should we simply close the cemeteries?

[@kellyhiggins4234]

This is something that never crosses your mind when going to visit a loved one . At least not my mind . I will now be careful . Thank you for sharing this story if anything comes from this tragedy is you now made it so he didn't pass in vain. Blessings to all who loved and knew him.

[@barbaratankersley7117]

S o very sad I really never thought of the stones falling so I'm glad you told the story Thank you for sharing

[@donnamills79]

Hi Ron watching from Sydney 🇦🇺, such a sad story 😢

[@kerriejones2136]

How sad was this story 😢. A 4yr child I can not even imagine the horror for the family. I just hope this can be fixed in the cemetery now . God Rest his soul.

[@michaelflorentino3904]

Hi, really interesting! Thanks 👍❤️🌞

[@lauriegonzalez3935]

So sad. Thank you Ron❤

[@kenbarkdoll7252]

Sad walk today. Thanks, Ron

[@connieflores7362]

Sorry for your loss

[@buckwheatsofia]

It’s not necessary to have such tall stones. So tragic. Thanks for telling this story so well.

[@melodyfranklin2287]

This is so heartbreaking 💔💔 thank you so much Ron for showing your love and kind heart for the care you shown and not to forgetting the loved ones that passed away too soon.. Ron you have a very amazing loving kind heart.. you are and will always be appreciated and loved 💗 your always my favorite thanks Ron. My kindest thoughts and truest respect for you always Melody aka lostgirl 😊💕

[@Monica_Baja]

Another great story 🙏🏼🕊️❤️‍🩹🕊️🙏🏼

[@aliciadelacruz7159]

I think your solution to the problem is perfect

[@mariaferreras4369]

Your idea perfect!

[@kimbennett2677]

Great idea. ❤

[@judyholdsworth7096]

RIP Brandon. I agree that city councils should demand annual surveys of stones from the cemetery management and any not being deemed “safe” should be laid down. I guess this could result in maintenance being more difficult and also trips and falls by people trying to manoeuvre around them but the alternative is horrendous

[@CCcastro336]

Oh how sad. I am glad you did this video. My family are laid to rest in Colma ca. a lot of extremely old tombstones. I never even thought of this. It’s opened my eyes! May they all rest in peace 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😢

[@poempadgett4664]

TYVM, FotF Ron❣️🍀

[@MichaelSmith-990]

Ron that's unbelievable. They definitely need additional support maybe rebar idk. Such a sad tragedy and horrible for the child's family. May he Rip.🙏

[@wach761]

I just wanted to say.... Thank you!⚘️😔

[@carlbaker7242]

Hey Ron.Your right in my neighborhood Maywood . I've been here 45 plus years. Sorry to hear that story about the young man, but it's a good precaution. Most of my family and friends are at Oakridge cemetery in Hillside.