A California family is suing the famous Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles after discovering that their loved one’s headstone was placed on the wrong grave. The mix-up came to light only after another family member passed away and was buried nearby.
The Mix-Up at Forest Lawn Cemetery
The Demirchyan family buried their family patriarch next to his late wife in April at Forest Lawn’s Hollywood Hills location. After the burial, the son of the deceased was pulled aside by a mortician who revealed that his mother, Hasmik Demirchyan, who had died in August 2021, was not buried under her grave marker. Instead, she was buried in the adjacent plot.
According to the lawsuit obtained by local news station KTLA, Hasmik’s body was actually placed in “space 2,” but her headstone was mistakenly placed on “space 1.” This error meant the family had been visiting the wrong grave all along.
The Family’s Reaction
Chris Demirchyan, son of the deceased, shared his frustration with the media. Speaking to KTLA, he said, “I feel betrayed because we have been speaking to an empty plot.” He explained how the family had been visiting the wrong site for over a year, leaving flowers, praying, and even decorating the empty space during holidays, including putting up a Christmas tree.
In an interview with NBC’s KNBC, Chris added, “For a year, I was there every weekend, taking her flowers, and sitting and talking to her.” The family’s sorrow turned to anger and disappointment after learning the truth.
Legal Action and Next Steps
The Demirchyans have filed a lawsuit against Forest Lawn Mortuary, claiming negligence and emotional distress caused by the mistake. The case has drawn attention to how important it is for cemeteries to maintain accurate records and ensure that families have peace of mind when visiting their loved ones.
Forest Lawn has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. The family hopes that through their legal action, the cemetery will take responsibility and prevent such painful errors in the future.
This case highlights the deep emotional impact when mistakes are made at places meant for remembrance and respect. Families rely on cemeteries to honor their loved ones correctly, and errors like this break trust and cause added grief. The Demirchyan family’s experience reminds us how crucial it is for cemeteries to be careful and transparent with burial arrangements. As the lawsuit moves forward, it will be a test of accountability for the cemetery and a call for higher standards in how final resting places are managed.
