Lawsuit Claims Falling Gravestone Seriously Injured Young Mourner at Colma Cemetery

Diamond Kanongataa suffered broken bones and crushing injuries after a 2,500-pound granite monument toppled onto her at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged granite gravestone fragment, capturing the texture and material details in dramatic lighting against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the dangers of unstable cemetery monuments.A damaged gravestone fragment serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by large monuments at cemeteries.El Dorado Hills Today

A 19-year-old college student named Diamond Kanongataa is suing Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California, after a heavy gravestone fell on her and seriously injured her leg while she was attending a family burial in 2023. Kanongataa suffered broken bones and crushing injuries that have prevented her from playing volleyball and walking for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the potential risks and hazards that can exist in cemeteries, where large monuments and gravestones pose a threat to visitors. It also raises questions about cemetery maintenance, safety protocols, and liability for injuries sustained on the premises.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Kanongataa was grieving with her family members when a 2,500-pound, heart-shaped granite grave marker suddenly fell backward onto her left leg. It took five men to lift the gravestone off of her. Kanongataa suffered broken bones in her ankle and foot, as well as crushing injuries to the rest of her leg. The lawsuit alleges that the incident also left Kanongataa with an 'indelible emotional scar'.

  • The incident occurred in September 2023.
  • Kanongataa filed the lawsuit on April 2, 2026.

The players

Diamond Kanongataa

A 19-year-old college student who was seriously injured when a heavy gravestone fell on her at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California.

John Maples

The lawyer representing Diamond Kanongataa in the lawsuit against Cypress Lawn Memorial Park.

Cypress Lawn Memorial Park

A cemetery in Colma, California, that is being sued for negligence after a gravestone fell on a young mourner visiting the cemetery.

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What they’re saying

“If you go out there to the spot, there's actually a depression in the spot where her leg was to this day.”

— John Maples, Lawyer

“A former volleyball player, Kanongataa can no longer play the sport, and pain prevents her from walking more than 15 minutes.”

— John Maples, Lawyer

What’s next

The judge in the case will determine if Cypress Lawn Memorial Park is liable for the injuries sustained by Diamond Kanongataa and the amount of damages, if any, that the cemetery must pay.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of cemetery owners and operators ensuring the safety and maintenance of their grounds to prevent tragic accidents that can have long-lasting impacts on visitors. It also underscores the need for clear safety protocols and liability guidelines for cemeteries to protect both mourners and the resting places of the deceased.