Delray Beach Cemetery Sold Family Burial Plot
The city hired consultants to assess operations after a family discovered an unauthorized burial in their plot.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Eldercare
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The Delray Beach Municipal Cemetery sold a burial plot to another party despite the Kellum family holding a deed dated 1994. The family discovered an unauthorized burial in the site in 2010, and the city later informed them the remains could not be moved.
Why it matters
The city launched an independent review of cemetery administration and record-keeping following the dispute and ongoing concerns regarding capacity and maintenance. The assessment aims to address long-standing issues surrounding cemetery oversight.
The Kellum family holds a deed from 1994 for burial plots at the Delray Beach Municipal Cemetery. The family discovered an unauthorized burial in their plot in 2010 and recently lost their father in 2024.
The players
Delray Beach Municipal Cemetery
This is the municipal burial site managed by the city that is currently undergoing an operational assessment.
Kuehne Cemetery Consulting
This is a private firm hired by the city to evaluate cemetery administration and record-keeping procedures.
The Kellum family
This family is involved in a long-term dispute with the city over the unauthorized use of their burial plot.
The details
Delray Beach has engaged Kuehne Cemetery Consulting to conduct a comprehensive assessment of record-keeping, administration, maintenance, and financial sustainability. The firm will provide a report with prioritized recommendations for future improvements to the municipal cemetery.
Timeline
The family received their deed for the burial plots in 1994.
The family discovered an unauthorized burial in their plot in 2010.
The family patriarch passed away in 2024.
A community meeting regarding the cemetery is set for September 30, 2026.
Roadmap
The city's review process follows a pattern set by the 2010 discovery of the unauthorized burial. This assessment marks a departure from previous administrative neglect by seeking professional oversight for municipal land records.
Residents with pre-purchased plots may need to verify their current deed status and ensure all records are correctly filed with the city. Families can participate in the upcoming meeting to voice concerns regarding how cemetery capacity and maintenance affect their planning.
The takeaway
Maintaining accurate records is essential for municipal burial sites to prevent disputes over ownership. Families should periodically confirm the status of their deeds and records with city officials to ensure their burial plans remain secure.
Further reading
Learn more about local management issues in the Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFLX Fox TV-29.
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