Strangers raising money to get new headstone for baby boy killed 20 years ago
On a two-lane road in Grant County, you'll find Broadridge Cemetery. A place where gravestones date back to the 19th century.
Mellisa Angell comes here often to visit her grandmother, but the experience always left her feeling sad.
"Because my wife is the best person I've ever met. She's sweet and kind and always thinking of others. And this just breaks her heart. And she really wanted to do something for him," said her husband, Brad.
The boy Brad is referring to is Ethan Proffitt. His grave sits right next to Mellissa's grandmother's, but it's much smaller in size and is facing the wrong way.
"Just noticed that no one ever did anything for it. No one ever left anything. My mother-in-law put a stuffed animal on it, and it was there for years," said Brad.
Ethan died in 2006 when he was just 6 months old. His father pleaded guilty to reckless homicide. For the longest time, Ethan only had a plaque at Broadridge Cemetery. Years ago, Brad says a headstone company decided to donate a small grave stone, which was very generous, but it has its problems.
"You can see here it's Ethan, a prophet with one F and one T, and the information from the funeral home has to have some two Ts. It has no dates on it or anything," said Brad.
Now, the Angells want to give Ethan the resting place he deserves. They say their friends and family have already hopped on board, donating hundreds of dollars. All of it for a complete stranger.
"I think it's important for everyone. I mean, just to have a place to be remembered and to let people know that you're here, especially someone, a 6-month-old baby, just so innocent, things like that. And I think it would be a nice thing for him," said Brad.
The Angells say they need $800 to meet their goal. If you'd like to make a donation, you can call Ellison-Stanley Funeral Home at . Tell them it's for the care of Ethan Proffitt.