Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNatureNews

Riverside Cemetery Partially Reopens After Hurricane Damage

View of Riverside Cemetery showing grave headstones and natural surroundings.

News Summary

Riverside Cemetery in Asheville is set to partially reopen to the public on May 11 after being closed since September due to damage from Hurricane Helene. While certain areas will be accessible, ongoing cleanup efforts mean others remain off-limits. Over 11,000 grave sites were affected, with significant damage including downed trees and disturbed headstones. Students from Western Carolina University are assisting with archaeological assessments and cleanup plans. Funerals can still be conducted, but full access isn’t expected until debris removal is complete, anticipated to begin in April 2025.

Asheville — Riverside Cemetery will partially reopen to the public on Sunday, May 11, after being closed since September 2024 due to unsafe conditions caused by Hurricane Helene. The cemetery will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing access to certain areas while others remain off-limits as cleanup efforts continue.

Hurricane Helene resulted in significant damage to the cemetery, which is home to over 11,000 grave sites. Reports indicated that more than 50 trees were downed, and 132 grave sites or headstones were disturbed as a result of the storm. Currently, certain sections of the cemetery remain fenced off to ensure safety while work is undertaken to rectify the damage.

Cleanup initiatives at Riverside Cemetery are being led by Ben Steere, the Department Head of Anthropology and Sociology at Western Carolina University (WCU). Students from WCU’s Archaeology and Forensic Anthropology programs are actively involved in the cleanup process, which includes an archaeological assessment of the site. Their efforts are focused on monitoring damage and evaluating whether the removal of debris will impact the integrity of grave sites.

While Riverside Cemetery is popular among locals, attracting over 4,000 visitors annually, it also serves as a historical landmark, housing the graves of prominent figures such as authors Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Residents often visit the site to exercise, create art, and find peace in nature. Despite its partial reopening, officials have reminded the public that not all areas are accessible yet, and safety remains a priority during ongoing cleanup efforts.

Funerals continue to be conducted at Riverside Cemetery, with families able to schedule appointments to visit loved ones buried there, even amid the current restrictions. The Parks and Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt has advised that, although limited access is allowed, the cemetery is still not fully open to the public.

As cleanup progresses, the WCU students are expected to provide recommendations based on their assessments, with their work scheduled to conclude on March 14. However, there is currently no set date for the completion of full debris removal. Officials anticipate that the removal process may begin in April 2025, continuing the efforts to restore Riverside Cemetery to its original condition for the community’s use and enjoyment.

The reopening of Riverside Cemetery offers a glimpse of hope for those wishing to honor their loved ones and engage with the rich historical context of the site. Continuous evaluations by the cleanup team are crucial to ensuring that the remaining areas are safe for the public and that the cemetery’s integrity is preserved for future generations.