On a quiet stretch of Duluth’s Lakewalk, engraved bricks speak softly of lives that ended far too soon. Surrounded by wildflowers and beneath the gaze of the Angel of Hope, these names will never be forgotten.
Along the Duluth Lakewalk, travelers pass through many environments – from waves lapping against the rocks to manicured gardens and historic monuments. The Angel of Hope statue feels like a pause in that journey, where life’s joys and sorrows meet in a tranquil embrace.
As part of our Life on Your Lakewalk series, we share the history of this poignant memorial and how it has become a meaningful stop. Here, hikers, joggers, and visitors can reflect amid blooms, see engraved names in the path beneath their feet, and sense the shared stories of families who walk through grief into a place of community and remembrance.
History
It’s difficult to imagine a grief more profound than that of a parent who has lost a child. Members of this most unfortunate “club” often feel completely lost and alone.
The Angel of Hope statue is a nationwide initiative to provide a quiet, healing place where parents and other loved ones can gather to remember the children they’ve lost – from miscarriages in early pregnancy to adult children. The statue is a bronze rendering of an angel, modeled after the Richard Evans novel, “The Christmas Box,” where a mother grieves for her daughter at the base of an angel statue.
The first statue was constructed in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1994. Today, there are over 150 angels across the United States, with one right here in Duluth.
Duluth Statue
Dan Ansello and Kelly Hamilton’s daughter Gabriella died unexpectedly of SIDS at 6 weeks of age. And Debbie Davis lost her son, Luke Hylden, to an accidental drug overdose when he was a senior in high school.
These parents experienced unimaginable losses. Together, along with several other local families, they bonded in their grief and organized a community fundraising campaign to raise the $15,000 needed to construct an Angel of Hope statue in Duluth.
The statue was erected in 2013 and was the 101st statue in a national series. The statue is located within Leif Erikson Park, at 1301 London Road.
“The statue is about four feet tall, and on the angel’s wings, it says ‘hope,’” Davis explained. “She sits on a large stone. There are benches around the statue, and bricks around her, too. People can have the name of their child engraved on the brick or another message of their choice. It’s a place where people can linger and connect with each other. They realize they aren’t alone, and aren’t the only one who has lost a child.”
The City of Duluth has been a helpful partner in the initiative since day one. The City helped select the best spot for the statue, and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department also handles engraving and installing the bricks.
Luke
Davis herself is a licensed professional clinical counselor with an extensive background in grief and loss. Losing her own son, Luke, however, was completely different.
“I was lost,” she said simply. “I saw parents in pain through my work, but I never really recognized it until I went through it myself.”
Davis enjoys talking about Luke, who died in 2009. “Talking about Luke keeps him here with me,” she said.
“He was very easy-going and an old soul. He’d give you his last dollar. He was very artistic, loved animals, and had a great sense of humor. I miss him every day.”
In addition to finding a new purpose through helping erect the statue, Davis continues to honor her son by raising funds for places like Animal Allies and Amberwing. In fact, Amberwing’s pet therapy room is named after Luke and his beloved dog, Johnny Cash.
Davis has one other child, a daughter named Hannah. The two speak fondly about Luke and bond over their shared memories.
Connecting with other grieving parents has been healing for Davis. “It’s important to make sure you have a good support system surrounding you,” she said. “You need to be able to tell your story as many times as you need to, without judgment. You never get over it, but eventually, you just learn to live with it.”
Candlelight Vigil
Each year, on December 6th, there is a candlelight vigil/memorial held at the site of the statue. Typically, about 50 people attend.
Participants are given a battery-operated candle, and a pastor is invited to provide a non-denominational prayer. There are meaningful readings, and someone sings a song or two. Attendees are invited to speak their child’s name into a microphone.
Davis wants people to know that all are welcome at both the statue and the vigil. “This includes parents who have had a miscarriage, all the way through losing an adult child,” she explained. “For people who have had a miscarriage, or their child has been cremated, they may not have a place to go. Everybody is welcome here.”
Bricks
As noted, parents or loved ones can purchase an engraved brick and have it placed at the site of the Angel of Hope statue. Bricks are $85, and all arrangements can be made through the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Department. Families may purchase a commemorative brick for $85 through the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The purchase of a brick could be a meaningful holiday gift for a grieving parent. Financial donations are also accepted; money raised is used for families who can’t afford to purchase a brick.
Here are a few of the inscriptions found on some of the bricks:
- Rilynn J LePage
3‑14‑24 – 4‑28‑24
“♡ U Babygirl” - Connor Spikberg
9/16/20 – 9/25/20 - Tyler JH Stage
2/08 – 3/21
“Forever a Star” - Evelyn Rose
11/19/19
“Always With Us” - Silas Michael Kvien
“Born into the arms of Jesus 3/30/13” - Matthew Timothy Sundstrom
Angel 1/09/1981 - Luke Hylden
“A Warm Yellow Light”
Each name represents a story, a life remembered, and a presence honored in this sacred space.
Reach out
Davis and the other families behind the Angel of Hope statue want other grieving parents to know there are others out there who can relate. Although there isn’t a formal support group in place, people are welcome to reach out and connect through the Angel of Hope Statue’s Facebook page.
“The statue brought together a group of people who probably felt pretty alone,” Davis said. “I welcome people asking about it and reaching out to us on Facebook.
“I would also recommend that grieving parents make sure and take care of themselves,” she added. “Reach out to others to help you with your journey.”
A Sanctuary
The Angel of Hope in Leif Erikson Park is more than a statue; it’s a sanctuary of memory forged from grief and hope. The surrounding gardens, wildflowers, and engraved bricks create a living memorial amid Duluth’s natural beauty.
With annual gatherings and heartfelt support, the Angel of Hope offers a peaceful refuge on the Lakewalk for those walking with sorrow – and walking toward healing.
Memorials continue to be accepted through the City of Duluth. Visit destinationduluth.co/AngelofHope to learn more.
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Note from the author: a previous, modified version of this story (which I also wrote) originally appeared in The Woman Today magazine.
Life on YOUR Lakewalk is part of Destination Duluth’s “Life Up North” series, created to highlight one of the city’s most treasured public spaces. The Lakewalk stretches eight miles along the greatest of the Great Lakes, offering everything from front-row views of 1,000-foot freighters and breathtaking sunrises to quiet moments of serenity just steps from the city.
Through stories, historic insight, and photography, this series shows how the Lakewalk is far more than a path. Once an industrial wasteland, it is now a symbol of community, resilience, and pride. It reflects what Duluth values most — public access, natural beauty, history, and connection. Whether a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Lakewalk is yours to enjoy. It is your view, your shoreline, your legacy.
