Woman asks for help after her father’s ashes were stolen from her car

• Tragedy shakes Philadelphia community.
• Haley Ann Burgess’ father’s ashes were stolen.
• She’s searching for answers.

A tragedy shook the Philadelphia community earlier this week.

It all began when Haley Ann Burgess, a resident of the Mayfair neighborhood, discovered that her father’s ashes had been stolen from her car.

On Tuesday morning, as Burgess headed out to work, she was met with the sight of her ransacked vehicle.

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Haley Burgess’ ashes stolen

According to 6ABC, Burgess that about $20 in loose change and the urn containing her father’s ashes were missing from her car.

«My car was definitely locked. I’m very meticulous about that. That’s how I know it was locked,» Burgess said, visibly perplexed and distraught by the loss.

While other valuables were left untouched, such as a piece of jewelry with her father’s photo inside, the one irreplaceable item was gone.

Burgess, who lost her father Dave Jonassen in 2019, says the ashes were all she has left of him.

A devastating robbery

Devastated, Burgess pointed to a piece of jewelry containing a photo of her father, saying, «They left the picture. They left this. This is probably worth more than the urn.»

«Why? Why my dad’s ashes? Of all things in the car, you take ashes and loose change and money,» she remarked.

«I’m looking, my cash was gone, everything was thrown everywhere,» she told 6ABC about the state in which she found her car.

«I turn to look at my door because that’s where I keep a picture of my dad and his urn that’s maybe this big. It’s dark gray, has three silver rings on it, and it was gone,» she continued.

Police are investigating

«It has no monetary value. It’s my dad’s ashes. It’s all I have left of him,» she emphasized.

Her father was a significant figure in her life, sharing her passion for mechanics and road trips.

Wednesday marked exactly five years since his passing.

The theft occurred between Monday night and Tuesday morning, and Burgess has filed a report with the police.

The investigation continues

Philadelphia woman devastated after father’s ashes stolen from her car https://t.co/KjQlXsvKlx

— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) April 25, 2024

According to 6ABC, Haley Ann Burgess also said her neighbors had experienced similar thefts.

However, she added that there has been no evidence of surveillance footage thus far.

In the face of this heart-wrenching loss, Burgess appeals to anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward and contact the authorities.

The family seeks answers and, above all, hopes to recover the ashes of their loved one.