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Factoid #11

by Scott Muoio

Atop northern Capitol Hill, overlooking Union Bay in Seattle, Washington lays the final resting place of Bruce and Brandon Lee. Inside the gates of Lake View Cemetery, straight ahead and slightly veered to the left, you will find the two head stones and small bench nestled behind a grouping of shrubs which represent the Lee gravesite. Though modest in design and appearance, the gravesite is a beautiful and fitting tribute to the beloved actors and martial artists. It is also the most visited gravesite in all of Seattle.

Dying under mysterious and tragic circumstances, and both at very young ages (Bruce at 32, Brandon at 28), the Lees continue to fascinate people throughout the world. Stories of curses, cannabis, steroids, poison, and Hong Kong hitmen continue to swirl regarding Bruce’s death after he collapsed while performing dub work in 1973 in Hong Kong. Brandon’s death, while less controversial, is even more tragic. Killed by remnants of a blank that were inadvertently trapped inside an otherwise safe pistol while filming The Crow, Brandon’s death was of the most senseless and careless nature. Unquestionably, both died well before their time.

Lake View Cemetery, which draws fan pilgrimages at all times of year, is a most fitting, gorgeous, and peaceful cemetery which perfectly complements the father and son’s meditative eastern philosophies. Though other final resting places of numerous Seattle pioneers dot the many nooks and crannies of Lake View, no doubt any are as popular as the Lees.

If you find yourself in Seattle during any season of the year, a stop at Lake View Cemetery on Capitol Hill is a must, especially for fans or anyone curious about the Lees. You will not be disappointed; Lake View Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and serene cemeteries you will ever see and combined with its great history, is well worth the visit.

In addition to the Lees, other famous Seattle gravesites at Lake View include “Doc” Maynard, the Yeslers, the Denys, the Mercers, the Nordstrums, and the Carkeeks. Another interesting memorial is dedicated to the Confederate Veterans of The Civil War.

Finally, the question must be asked: why are the Lees buried in Seattle? The story, though strange, is very interesting.

Born in San Francisco (he has only ever had American citizenship) but having grown up in Hong Kong, Bruce found himself in trouble after fighting with Triad gang members as a teen. Worried for his safety, Bruce’s family had him sent to live with relatives in The United States. Eventually finding his way to Seattle after a time in San Francisco, it is in Seattle where Lee completed high school and where he enrolled at The University of Washington. While there, Lee met his future wife, Linda Emery while performing a martial arts demonstration at Linda’s high school. The couple soon married, Lee went Hollywood, and the rest is history.

Like Jimmy Hoffa, the Lee death story is one that continues to baffle and fuel rumours some thirty years after it happened. Speculation exists that Lee’s body never made it from Hong Kong where he died and that the casket buried in Seattle instead contains dried cement. Common sense, however dictates that Bruce was indeed buried at Lake View Cemetery at the request of his wife and that no foul play was involved. Since the body will surely never be exhumed, it is likely conspiracy theories shall always remain adding further mystery to an already strange and fascinating tale.

Click Any Picture to Enlarge

Cemetery Gate	Overlooking Union Bay	Headstones	Bench at the Lee grave

Bruce	Brandon	Confederates Memorial	Carkeek (like the Seattle park)

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Noted something strange or interesting in or about Seattle? Tell us about it. Email scottmuoio@undependentmedia.com

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