Nicholasville, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Ashley Cornelius, a monument maker in Nicholasville, has successfully restored over 20 headstones at Maple Grove Cemetery, which were damaged by a drunk driver in a tragic 2021 incident. This restoration project aimed to bring closure to affected families and honor their loved ones. The costs of repair were substantial, with potential damages exceeding $100,000, but community support played a vital role. Cornelius’s dedication to handcrafting each unique headstone underscores the emotional significance of these memorials.
Nicholasville – Local monument maker Ashley Cornelius has completed the restoration of more than 20 headstones at Maple Grove Cemetery, which were damaged by a drunk driver in 2021. The incident, caused by Thomas Garner, resulted in severe financial impacts for the community and affected families, with repair costs potentially exceeding $100,000.
In 2021, Garner crashed his vehicle into the cemetery, damaging several headstones and altering the final resting places of many individuals. Garner, who has since pleaded guilty to DUI and criminal mischief earlier this year, caused considerable distress to families who had already suffered the loss of loved ones. One of the damaged headstones was valued at approximately $25,000, highlighting the extensive damage caused during the incident.
Ashley Cornelius, the owner of Nicholasville Monument Co., was called upon to assist in the restoration. He has personal ties to the trade, having entered the field after purchasing a headstone for his deceased father, which ignited his passion for monument making. Together with a small team, Cornelius hand-carves headstones and plaques, emphasizing the importance of each piece as a lasting tribute to the deceased.
Each headstone is a unique representation of the individual it honors, tailored by material and design. While insurance and the city covered the costs for the 24 headstones he crafted, the restoration process is lengthy, with individual headstones taking up to two years to complete. The craftsmanship involved ensures that each headstone reflects the memories and significance of the lives they commemorate.
Recently, Cornelius completed the final headstone for this restoration project, expressing a sense of gratitude and closure for the community. He articulated the satisfaction he feels in helping families through this difficult process, allowing them to reconnect with the memory of their loved ones by restoring their “last words” etched in stone.
The culmination of this project has highlighted not only the impact of the vandalism but also the resilience of the community, as they come together to support the affected families and commemorate the lives of those lost. Cornelius’s work has been pivotal in allowing these families to find peace and closure through the restoration of their loved ones’ headstones.
The event serves as a reminder of the effects of reckless behavior and the importance of community support following tragic events. The combined effort to restore these cherished memorials reflects the value placed on remembering and honoring the deceased in a meaningful way.
FAQ
What happened to the headstones at Maple Grove Cemetery?
Over 20 headstones were damaged by a drunk driver, Thomas Garner, in 2021.
Who is Ashley Cornelius?
Ashley Cornelius is the owner of Nicholasville Monument Co. and a monument maker who restores headstones.
How were the headstones restored?
Cornelius and his team hand-carved new headstones. Restoration costs were covered by insurance and the city.
How long does it take to complete a headstone?
It can take up to two years to complete each headstone due to their custom nature and craftsmanship.
What was the total estimated repair cost for the headstones?
Total repair costs could exceed $100,000, with one headstone valued at around $25,000.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT News: Monument Maker Restores Headstones
- Wikipedia: Drunk Driving
- Kentucky.com: Details on Headstone Damages
- Google Search: Monument Maker Headstone Restoration
- LEX18 News: Drunk Driver Causes Cemetery Damage
- Google Scholar: Headstone Restoration
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on Vandalism Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery Headstones
- NKY Tribune: Old Time Kentucky History
- Google News: Headstone Restoration Nicholasville
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