Int’l Falls: Widespread Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery has left widespread damage to several gravesites across the burial ground.

Over 30 headstones were tipped over and multiple statues and other items damaged or destroyed.

The vandalism happened sometime between Sunday, July 14th, and Tuesday, July 16th.

Authorities are investigating and working to identify the person or people responsible.

A statement from the Forest Hill Cemetery Board, “The damage is upsetting as we consider this sacred ground. These are our loved ones and they need to be treated with respect and dignity in life and death.”

The statement goes on to say, “We are now in the process of contacting families about damage done to their loved ones’ grave sites and will soon send them a letter informing them on how we are going to handle the repairs. Looking to the future, we will be sending out donation letters and/or having fundraisers to pay for all the damage.”

If you have any information relating to the crime, contact the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office.