Clarke County Coroner Greg Fairchild, along with Emergency Management and a crew from the county road department worked Monday to preserve a grave in the Shubuta Cemetery that had been presumably struck by lightning.
The cemetery caretaker made the discovery after making routine rounds at the cemetery. The granite slab on top of the grave took a hit from recent storms.
“There was lightning storms in the area according to the National Weather Service,” said Coroner Greg Fairchild. “It looks like the granite slab took a direct hit from a lightning strike because there was a 20 foot radius of dirt that had been blown out of the grave.” Fairchild added they do believe the damage came from the recent lightning storms because there was no indication of footprints or other evidence to suggest tampering.
The grave was of a female by the last name of Weems who was buried in 1935. “I have been in contact with a great-great-granddaughter from Jackson about what we are doing and she is much appreciated” Fairchild said.
The original granite which weighs about 3500 pounds was damaged. Oates Monument in Quitman will repair the slab and it will be replaced back on top of the grave site.
“We re-covered the vault (with board and felt) that the casket was in and poured cement on top. Once the cement cures, we will replace the original granite slab on the grave,” Fairchild said.
They were able to repair and seal the grave without exhuming the pine casket.
