DRY RIDGE, Ky. — In the quiet of Broadridge Cemetery, located on a two-lane road in Grant County, a small grave marks the resting place of a boy who died more than 20 years ago. The cemetery, home to gravestones dating back to the 19th century, holds the grave of Ethan Proffitt, a baby boy who died at just six months old in 2006.
Ethan’s grave sits beside that of Mellisa Angell’s grandmother, but it’s far smaller and faces the wrong direction. Angell often visits the cemetery, but each time she’s reminded of the sadness surrounding her son’s final resting place.
Her husband, Brad, described the situation, saying, “My wife is the best person I’ve ever met. She’s sweet, kind, and always thinking of others. This situation breaks her heart, and she wanted to do something for him.”
For years, no one had left anything at Ethan’s grave. Brad recalls that his mother-in-law once placed a stuffed animal on it, which remained there for years.
Ethan’s father pleaded guilty to reckless homicide after his death. For years, his grave was marked only by a plaque. Brad said a headstone company had donated a small stone, which was generous but had multiple issues, including incorrect spelling and missing information.
Brad explained, “It says ‘Ethan Proffitt’ with one F and one T. The funeral home had the correct spelling with two Ts, and it lacks any dates.”
Now, Brad and Mellisa are working to give Ethan the proper resting place he deserves. With the help of friends and family, they have already raised hundreds of dollars to fund a new headstone. All of the donations have come from complete strangers who want to ensure Ethan’s memory is honored.
Brad added, “I think it’s important for everyone to have a place to be remembered, especially someone so innocent, a 6-month-old baby. It would be a nice thing for him.”
The Angells are aiming to raise $800 to reach their goal. Donations can be made by contacting Ellison-Stanley Funeral Home at (859) 824-3374, with the note that the contribution is for the care of Ethan Proffitt.
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