Corey Hoeffler and his dad were very close, sharing everything with each other.
So, when his dad Ronald passed away, Corey was heartbroken and devastated. As a way to cope with his loss, Corey visited his father’s grave at least once a day.
He even had his father’s grave marker hand-painted with the Ohio State logo, since his father was a huge Ohio State fan.
One day, Corey walked over to his father’s grave as usual. But when he got there, however, Corey’s jaw dropped.
His father’s grave marker was gone.
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Someone had stolen the marker, and no one knew why. This horrible tragedy completely broke Corey’s heart.
Not only was his dad gone, but the marker made to remember him was gone as well.
When the news spread throughout the community, the WCPO/9 On Your Side covered Corey’s story. In the interview, Corey expressed his shock and sadness.
“The hat that my niece left.. was gone, a flag was gone, and the temporary stone we had gotten for his birthday – Father’s day – and Fourth of July, so people knew where he was, was missing,” said Corey.
In the interview, all Corey’s family asked was for the person to return the stone.
“Just please return it, that’s all we want – or contact us and we will come get it,” pleaded Corey.
After this heartbreaking news went on air, something unthinkable happened.
An anonymous donor who watched this segment decided to make a brand new marker for Ronald. He then secretly drove to Ronald’s grave, and placed the marker.
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So, when Corey visited the cemetery the next day, he couldn’t believe his eyes. There was a brand new gravestone with the Ohio State sign for his father!
In the midst of tragedy, Corey received an amazing gift from a complete stranger, and was grateful.
He wanted to find and thank this donor – and thankfully, WCPO was able to track the person down.
If you would like to watch Corey meeting this kind man who donated a new grave marker, check out the video below.
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