Los Angeles County Bury 2,308 Unclaimed Dead in Boyle Heights Interfaith Ceremony

More than 2,300 unclaimed bodies will be laid to rest Thursday in a communal grave during an interfaith ceremony in Boyle Heights, a tradition that has marked Los Angeles County for over a century.

The ceremony, titled The Ceremony to Commemorate the Unclaimed Dead, will begin at 10 a.m. at the Los Angeles County Crematory and Cemetery. Local faith leaders will preside, supported by the County Board of Supervisors, the Department of Health Services’ Office of Decedent Affairs, and the LA General Medical Center Chaplains. It is a public event that honors those who had no next of kin to claim their remains. The gathering underscores the county’s commitment to dignity for all.

A total of 2,308 individuals, many of whom were homeless or lacked contactable relatives, died in 2022 and remain unclaimed. Bodies are held for three years after death to allow families the chance to claim cremated remains. The Office of Decedent Affairs manages the cremation and burial of indigent and unclaimed persons in the county. They also work with families to retrieve remains when possible.

County Supervisor Janice Hahn said, “This annual ceremony is part of a commitment that the county has upheld since 1896 to ensure everyone in Los Angeles County, no matter their means, is laid to rest with respect and dignity.” She expressed gratitude for the public’s yearly attendance, noting that the ceremony holds a special place in the county’s service portfolio. Hahn emphasized that the county takes its responsibility seriously, honoring lives that would otherwise go unnoticed. The ceremony reflects the county’s long-standing tradition of compassion.

Hahn added, “We don’t know enough about the lives of the people we are laying to rest this week to do their memories justice.” She added that many were unhoused, children, immigrants, sick, or suffered mental illness, and almost all were very poor. For one reason or another, they had no loved ones to claim their bodies when they passed. The statement highlights the vulnerability of those buried.

She continued, “I think this is one of the more special things we do as a county, and it means a lot to me to be part of it every year.” Hahn described the ceremony as a special responsibility that brings the community together. She noted that being part of this annual event is personally meaningful to her. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the county’s duty to those without advocates.

Hahn also said, “These individuals left this world alone and we take this responsibility seriously to honor their lives and grieve their deaths.” She emphasized that the county mourns these individuals collectively. The statement underscores the emotional weight carried by the ceremony. It reflects the county’s commitment to dignified remembrance.

The event is open to the public and will be livestreamed at facebook.com/events/2047672479355461/. Attendees must register in advance and present a ticket upon arrival. Online registration is available through the county website, and those unable to register online may call 323-409-6945 for assistance. The livestream allows those who cannot attend in person to participate virtually.

Shortly before the ceremony, ashes are placed in a single communal grave marked with the year of cremation. The ceremony features interfaith prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer in multiple languages. It offers attendees an opportunity to pay respects and stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable community members, according to a county statement. The ceremony’s interfaith nature underscores the inclusive spirit of the event.

Key Takeaways:

• 2,308 unclaimed bodies will be interred in a communal grave in Boyle Heights.
• The ceremony, held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, honors those who died in 2022 with no next of kin.
• Public participation is encouraged through registration and livestream, reflecting the county’s commitment to dignity for all.

The interfaith ceremony in Boyle Heights stands as a solemn reminder that Los Angeles County continues to honor those who would otherwise be forgotten. It reaffirms the county’s longstanding tradition of compassion, dating back to 1896. The event brings together faith leaders, county officials, and the community in a shared act of remembrance.

In the days ahead, the county will continue to work with families to locate remains and provide support. The ceremony is part of a broader effort to ensure no body goes unclaimed. The story of these 2,308 individuals will live on in the hearts of those who attend and watch the livestream.

The county’s Office of Decedent Affairs will continue to maintain records and coordinate with families to ensure all remains are accounted for. The interfaith prayers performed during the ceremony serve as a reminder of shared humanity. The ceremony’s inclusive approach reflects the diverse fabric of Los Angeles County.

The community’s participation in the ceremony, both in person and online, demonstrates solidarity with those who lacked support. It also offers a moment of collective mourning for a group that often remains invisible. The ceremony’s livestream allows viewers from across the city to witness the respectful burial. Such visibility can inspire others to support similar initiatives.