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Hollywood legend James Dean died at the age of 24
The fifties film star's headstone, inscribed "James B. Dean, 1931-1955", was reported missing last month. It was the third time that the stone had been stolen.
It was found two days later, dumped on a country road 60 miles (100km) away.
Sheriff's discovery
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Deputy Sheriff Aaron Gilman, made the discovery by accidentally ramming his car into the abandoned headstone.
It was restored to its rightful place in time for the James Dean Festival which happens in late September.
This time it has been secured with two 24-inch metal rods and cement - hopefully preventing future thefts.
Grave saga
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Dean died tragically at the age of 24 in a California car crash on September 30, 1955.
He only ever made three films: Rebel without a cause, East of Eden and Giant.
But despite this he has become an icon popular culture and his grave attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Like the tombstone of legendary Doors singer, Jim Morrison who is buried in Paris, Dean's grave has been desecrated several times.
The stone was first stolen in April 1983, then recovered the following month, then stolen again that August. The present stone replaced the original.