If you’re looking for one of the most unusual—and slightly eerie—things to see in Cleveland, Ohio, head to Lake View Cemetery to see the Haserot Angel, also known as the Angel of Death Victorious.
The life-size bronze angel sits atop the Haserot family monument, and her most memorable feature is the dark streaks running down her face. They make it appear as though the angel is crying black tears.
And while the statue has developed plenty of spooky lore over the years, there’s a much more straightforward explanation for those tears.
The Haserot Angel was commissioned by Cleveland businessman Francis Haserot following the death of his wife, Sarah, in 1919. The monument was created by Cleveland sculptor Herman Matzen, who was responsible for several other notable sculptures throughout Northeast Ohio.
The bronze sculpture, completed in the 1920s, depicts an angel seated on the family monument with her wings extending behind her. She holds an upside-down, extinguished torch.
That isn’t just a dramatic artistic choice. The extinguished torch is commonly interpreted as a symbol of a life that has ended.
But it’s the angel’s face that really catches your attention.
The dark streaks beneath the angel’s eyes aren’t actually tears—and there isn’t evidence that someone painted them there.
They result from weathering and oxidation of the bronze.
Over decades of exposure to Cleveland’s weather and atmosphere, the bronze developed its distinctive patina. Rain and environmental pollutants contributed to the dark streaking on the statue, creating the appearance that the angel has been crying.
It’s one of those cases where nature accidentally created something that looks considerably more ominous than the science behind it.
And honestly? Seeing those black streaks in person makes the statue even more striking.
The Haserot Angel is located in Section 9 of Lake View Cemetery, near the Hanna Mausoleum.
Address:
12316 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Once inside the cemetery, you’ll want to use a map to help locate the monument. Lake View Cemetery is enormous, so don’t expect to simply pull in and immediately spot the angel.
The cemetery provides maps, and the Haserot monument is located in Section 9, Lot 14 according to published visitor information.
Part of what makes this stop so interesting is that the Haserot Angel isn’t the only reason to visit.
Lake View Cemetery was established in 1869 and is one of Cleveland’s most historic garden cemeteries. The grounds contain elaborate monuments, mausoleums, sculptures and the final resting places of numerous notable figures.
You can also visit landmarks including the James A. Garfield Memorial and Wade Memorial Chapel, making it easy to turn a quick visit to the Haserot Angel into a larger Cleveland history stop.
The cemetery itself is beautiful, with winding roads, mature trees and impressive architecture. It’s less like a traditional cemetery and more like an outdoor museum of Cleveland history.
This is where the story gets a little more unhinged.
Over the years, the Haserot Angel has developed a reputation for being haunted, with various stories circulating about strange experiences at the monument.
You’ll find plenty of paranormal lore surrounding the statue, including claims that visitors have witnessed unusual activity.
But those stories are folklore, not documented fact, so I wouldn’t visit expecting the angel to move, speak, or suddenly start crying actual tears.
Rather, you will find many people leave little trinkets for the angel scattered around the monument.
Grab a cemetery map. Lake View is huge, and a map will make it much easier to find specific monuments.
Give yourself time to explore. If you’re already there, don’t just make a beeline for the angel and leave. The cemetery is filled with interesting monuments and historic sites.
Wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are large and hilly, so you’ll be doing some walking if you want to explore beyond the main roads.
Be respectful. This is an active cemetery, not simply a roadside attraction. People visit loved ones buried here, so keep voices low and be mindful of funerals, visitors, and gravesites.
Look closely at the angel. The black streaks are much easier to appreciate when you’re standing in front of the statue. It’s one of those places where the photos don’t quite capture the atmosphere.
James A. Garfield
Perhaps the most recognizable resident of Lake View Cemetery, James A. Garfield was the 20th president of the United States. He and his wife, Lucretia, are entombed inside the massive 180-foot Garfield Memorial. The memorial itself is worth visiting, with an observation deck offering views over Cleveland.
John D. Rockefeller
The founder of Standard Oil is buried beneath a massive 70-foot obelisk, the tallest monument in the cemetery. Interestingly, Rockefeller’s actual gravestone is much simpler and sits behind the obelisk.
Eliot Ness
Yes, that Eliot Ness. The Cleveland Safety Director who became famous for his work against organized crime in Chicago is buried here. His grave is in Section 7, Lot 8, and visitors sometimes leave small toy police cars at the site.
Alan Freed
Music fans will want to find this one. Cleveland DJ Alan Freed is credited with helping popularize the term “rock and roll,” and his grave marker is shaped like a jukebox. It’s located in Section 5-E.
Harvey Pekar
Fans of American Splendor can visit the grave of Cleveland comic-book writer Harvey Pekar. His marker features the memorable inscription, “Life is about women, gigs, and bein’ creative.” Visitors often leave pens at his grave.
Ray Chapman
Baseball fans should look for Ray Chapman, a shortstop for the Cleveland Indians. Chapman died in 1920 after being struck in the head by a pitch during a game—the only MLB player to die from an injury sustained during a game. His grave is in Section 42, Lot 16, and it’s often decorated with baseball memorabilia.
Charles F. Brush
Brush was a Cleveland inventor and businessman best known for developing the modern arc light. His monument is another interesting stop for anyone interested in Cleveland’s industrial history.
Garrett Morgan
Another fascinating Cleveland inventor, Garrett Morgan developed an early version of the gas mask and invented the three-position traffic signal. His grave is in Section 50, Lot 134.
Jeptha Wade
Wade was a founder of Western Union and the first president of the Lake View Cemetery Association. His grandson commissioned the beautiful Wade Memorial Chapel in his honor. The chapel’s interior was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and is worth seeing while you’re there.
If you enjoy unusual roadside attractions, historic cemeteries, creepy-looking statues or just finding the weird little corners of Ohio, I’d add the Haserot Angel to your Cleveland list.
It’s eerie without needing a fabricated ghost story—and there’s something fascinating about standing in front of a nearly century-old sculpture and seeing how time and the elements have changed it.
Haserot Angel / Angel of Death Victorious
Lake View Cemetery
12316 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
Location: Section 9, Lot 14, near the Hanna Mausoleum
Cost: Free to visit the cemetery grounds
Best for: History lovers, photographers, unusual Ohio attractions, and fans of the spooky-but-factual
Lake View Cemetery’s grounds are generally open daily, with hours varying seasonally; check current cemetery hours before heading out
Looking for more Unhinged Roadside Attractions? Check out these cool stops:
Unhinged Roadside Attractions: A Grave in the Middle of the Road
Unhinged Roadside Attractions: A Field of Cement Corn
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