The family of a young boy who tragically passed away after being crushed by a falling gravestone is advocating for the prohibition of upright grave markers. Eli Testa lost his life when a gravestone’s cross collapsed on him at Rawtenstall Cemetery in Lancashire on July 5. Despite efforts to save him, the boy succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
With a suspected traumatic head injury identified as the cause of death earlier this year, Eli’s parents are now pushing for all gravestones in cemeteries nationwide to be laid horizontally and securely anchored to the ground, accompanied by regular mandatory inspections.
A petition on the UK Parliament website has garnered over 900 signatures, with Thomas Testa, the father, hoping for potential legislation to be named ‘Eli’s Law’ in memory of his son. Thomas expressed concerns over the increasing risks associated with aging headstones in cemeteries, emphasizing the need for proper regulations and safety measures to prevent similar tragic incidents.
Having met with the family of Ciaran Williamson, an eight-year-old who suffered a similar fate in 2015, Thomas highlighted the importance of addressing cemetery safety issues. The Williamson family received a substantial settlement following a fatal accident inquiry in Scotland, where it was revealed that proper adherence to safety guidelines could have prevented the tragedy.
Thomas criticized the UK government for overlooking the national implications of cemetery safety, suggesting that proactive measures could have saved Eli’s life. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders, the family aims to ensure that cemeteries remain safe environments for visitors.
An inquest held at Preston Coroners’ Court detailed the circumstances surrounding Eli’s demise, attributing his death to a loose gravestone cross that caused fatal injuries. Although the police ruled out foul play, the incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive for further review.