Woman Rebuilds Memorial Cross for Homeless Friend After Repeated Removals

Essence Bacon has built three memorial crosses for her late friend Melissa Nicole Bernson, but they keep disappearing.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:47pm

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A Las Vegas woman named Essence Bacon has built three memorial crosses for her homeless friend Melissa Nicole Bernson, who died in 2022 near a storm drain where she lived. However, the crosses have been repeatedly removed, leaving Bacon frustrated but determined to keep honoring her friend's memory.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by homeless individuals, even after their passing, and the efforts of compassionate community members to memorialize them. It also raises questions about who is removing the crosses and why, as well as the policies surrounding roadside memorials in the area.

The details

Bacon put up the latest cross on Thursday, decorating it with purple and white roses and butterflies to represent her friend's favorite colors and a butterfly necklace she once gave Bacon. Bernson was known for helping others, even while homeless herself, including getting food for others on Thanksgiving and clothes from Goodwill. Bacon, who was also previously homeless, made the first cross a couple years ago, but it was taken in December 2025. She made another one, but that was also removed just days after the new year. The third cross she placed on Thursday.

  • Bernson died after having a heart episode in an underground storm drain in 2022.
  • Bacon made the first cross a couple years ago.
  • The first cross was taken in December 2025.
  • Bacon made a second cross, but it was removed just a couple days after the new year.
  • Bacon placed the third cross on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Essence Bacon

A Las Vegas Valley woman who has built three memorial crosses for her homeless friend Melissa Nicole Bernson, who died near Dean Martin Drive and Arby Avenue.

Melissa Nicole Bernson

A 34-year-old homeless woman who died after having a heart episode in an underground storm drain in 2022. Bernson was known for helping others, even while homeless herself.

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What they’re saying

“I have to make sure that I put her favorite colors. And she loved butterflies. She gave me a butterfly necklace one time. So, the butterflies kind of represent her.”

— Essence Bacon (fox5vegas.com)

“She just had a big heart. She would go out and help anybody.”

— Essence Bacon (fox5vegas.com)

“Most of the homeless people that she was friends with or whatever, like they wouldn't, you know, they know better.”

— Essence Bacon (fox5vegas.com)

“I think it's selfish. It's not for them. I mean, I'll make them one if they need one.”

— Essence Bacon (fox5vegas.com)

“I hope this one stays up. I really do...she deserves to be remembered.”

— Essence Bacon (fox5vegas.com)

What’s next

Clark County officials are looking into the location of the cross, as it sits near a storm drain on county property but may be on private land that is currently for sale. Bacon says she would be willing to relocate the cross if the property owner does not want it on their land.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges faced by homeless individuals, even after their passing, and the efforts of compassionate community members to memorialize them. It raises questions about policies surrounding roadside memorials and the need for greater understanding and support for the homeless population.