OGDEN, Utah — Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park says they are now offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who can help identify the people who vandalized a "one-of-a-kind" statue in the cemetery.
The cemetery says that their Jesus Statue which was just placed in the park a week ago was vandalized. Pictures shared by the business show blue and black paint covering the front and back of the statue.
"This is a painful loss for our community, as it was a symbol of peace, inspiration, and solace for so many," the park wrote on social media.
According to the park, the statue was "one-of-a-kind" as its casting mold was destroyed making this statue impossible to recreate. "We feel blessed to share it with the community, and we’re heartbroken over this violation," the park stated.
Leavitt's says they have contacted police and are offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who can identify the individuals responsible for the vandalism.
They ask anyone with information to contact the local police department.
The cemetery sent the following message to FOX 13 News:
"Standing at an impressive 7 feet tall and 58 inches across, this magnificent statue of Jesus has an incredible history. Originally commissioned in 1998 by President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this beautiful piece graced the mezzanine of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for seven years before being relocated to the University of Nauvoo in Illinois for a decade. Now, we at Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park are honored and fortunate to have it displayed here where it can continue to inspire peace and reflection among all who visit. It is truly a blessing to have such a work of art with so much history and reverence in our midst. This is the only sculpture of its kind, as the casting mold was destroyed."
