French authorities have confirmed the recovery of the iconic Jim Morrison statue that was stolen from his grave in 1988. This significant bust, crafted from heavy marble by the talented artist Mladen Mikulin, was originally placed on The Doors frontman’s grave at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris in 1981, commemorating the 10th anniversary of his untimely passing.

The statue went missing seven years later, with intriguing rumors circulating that two enthusiastic fans may have taken the 128kg memorial during the night on a moped. This theft has left a lasting mark on the lore surrounding Morrison’s legacy and his devoted following.

READ MORE: Discover the Disagreements Within The Doors Over Jim Morrison’s Faked-Death Rumor

An official statement highlighted that during an investigation led by the Financial and Anti-Corruption Brigade of the Directorate of Judicial Police, under the direction of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, this beloved symbol for Morrison’s fans was fortuitously recovered, described as a “chance discovery.”

While the future of the statue remains uncertain, speculation arises about whether it will be restored atop Morrison’s headstone as it once was. Cemetery curator Benoît Gallot expressed uncertainty, stating, “The police haven’t contacted us, so I don’t know whether the bust will be returned to us.”

A spokesperson for the Morrison family shared with Rolling Stone their relief and gratitude regarding the recovery, emphasizing that it is a significant piece of history that the family desires to see back on his grave as a tribute to the legendary artist.

Since Jim Morrison was laid to rest in 1971 at the age of 27, his grave has become a site of significant controversy. The location quickly turned into a pilgrimage site for fans, who would gather to celebrate his life, partying, and leaving slogans on the memorial, showcasing their devotion and admiration for the legendary musician.

In 1991, the situation escalated when police had to intervene as a riot broke out during the 20th anniversary memorial, leading to the decision to appoint a full-time guard to monitor the site and ensure the safety of the fans and the integrity of the grave.

Legal Trouble for Fan Attempting to Replace Jim Morrison’s Statue

In a notable incident three years later, a pair of fans faced legal consequences after attempting to replace the original bust with a bronze substitute they had purchased. Todd Mitchell, an American, reportedly spent thousands of dollars and dedicated eight months to orchestrate this plan, only to be apprehended alongside his nephew as they tried to install the new bust onto the headstone under the cover of night.

Mitchell recounted the moment to the Salt Lake Tribune, explaining that the noise made from drilling the boltholes drew the attention of a guard accompanied by a dog. He stated, “I showed him, ‘Here’s Jim.’ I said, ‘I’ve got Jim, and I’m going to put him here.’” The guard appeared utterly perplexed, especially since most people were vandalizing cemetery items instead.

A second security officer arrived, and after a brief conversation over the radio, Mitchell received the discouraging news: “They don’t think it’s a good idea.” Less than thirty minutes later, both were taken to a Parisian prison, though they were released without charges the following day. Despite the setback, Mitchell expressed his determination to return one day to complete his mission.

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