May 31st 2024.
On a somber Thursday morning, a commercial flight from the US arrived in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince after months of suspension due to ongoing violence and criminal activity in the city. However, this particular flight had a heartbreaking purpose as it carried the bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a young American couple who were tragically killed by a gang just last week.
Accompanying the remains of Davy and Natalie on the American Airlines jet were US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins and a team of US security agents, as confirmed by a source knowledgeable about the operation. The flight made a stop in Miami before continuing on to its final destination for the Lloyds: their families in Neosho, Missouri. A statement released by Natalie's father, Missouri State Representative Ben Baker, on the family's X account requested privacy during this time and announced that funeral services would be held early next week.
It has been a week of intense negotiations between the US government, Haitian authorities, local organizations, and even gang leaders to ensure the safe return of the Lloyds' bodies. This has been a challenging task in a city crippled by criminal groups that have disrupted the flow of vital humanitarian aid and caused destruction to medical facilities and roads. Despite these obstacles, the State Department has been working tirelessly to assist in this process, with a spokesperson confirming that both bodies have now arrived in the United States.
The reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport this month was a significant step in reconnecting Haiti's capital to the rest of the world after months of violence. However, this progress was overshadowed by the tragic incident involving the Lloyds and Haitian mission director Jude Montis, which caught the attention of US officials and the White House. The three were attacked by a gang during an attempted robbery at the Missions in Haiti church and orphanage compound, which resulted in their deaths and the theft of aid supplies.
In the aftermath of the attack, US officials from the offices of Missouri US Representative Eric Burlison and Missouri US Senator Josh Hawley, as well as the US National Security Council, worked closely with the State Department and US Embassy in Haiti to coordinate the safe return of the Lloyds' bodies. Representative Burlison expressed his sadness over the tragedy and gratitude to those involved in bringing the Lloyds home to their families.
Natalie Lloyd's parents, who both have ties to the Missouri government, were among those who worked tirelessly to bring their daughter and son-in-law back to the United States. The entire situation has been a devastating and heartbreaking ordeal for all involved, and the Lloyds' loved ones are now focused on honoring their memory and finding closure.
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the city of Port-au-Prince recently, when an American couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were killed by a gang while on their mission trip in Haiti. The young couple's remains were flown back to the United States on Thursday, accompanied by the US Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Hankins, and US security agents. The bodies were transported via an American Airlines jet from Haiti to Miami, and will then be sent to their families in Neosho, Missouri.
In a statement shared on Natalie's father's X account, Missouri State Representative Ben Baker, the family requested privacy during this difficult time. The statement also expressed gratitude for the safe transportation of Davy and Natalie's remains, and announced that funeral services would be held early next week. The Lloyds' return to the US was made possible through intense negotiations between the US government, Haitian authorities, local organizations, and even gang leaders. This speaks to the dire situation in Haiti, where gangs have been wreaking havoc by blocking roads, destroying medical facilities, and hindering the delivery of much-needed humanitarian supplies.
The reopening of Toussaint Louverture International Airport earlier this month was seen as a positive step towards connecting Haiti's capital to the rest of the world. However, this progress was overshadowed by the tragic incident that claimed the lives of the Lloyds and Haitian mission director Jude Montis. The three were attacked during an armed robbery at the Missions in Haiti church and orphanage compound, and later faced deadly retribution from a second gang. Missions in Haiti founder David Lloyd, who was on the phone with his son during the attack, shared that they had barricaded themselves inside their residence but were unable to escape the violence.
The news of the Lloyds' deaths sparked immediate action from US officials, who worked tirelessly to recover their bodies and bring them back to their families. Staff members from the office of Missouri US Representative Eric Burlison, US Senator Josh Hawley, and the US National Security Council reached out to the State Department and US Embassy in Haiti. Burlison expressed his deep sadness over the tragic event and shared that they had been working closely with Senator Hawley's office, the State Department, and airlines to ensure the safe return of the Lloyds' remains. Natalie's mother, Naomi Baker, who works for Burlison's office, and her father, Ben Baker, a state representative in Missouri, were also involved in the efforts to bring their daughter and son-in-law home.
The Lloyds' tragic deaths have left a deep impact on the community, both in Haiti and in the United States. The circumstances surrounding their killings have raised questions about the safety and security of those on mission trips and the effectiveness of aid in the midst of violence. As the Lloyds' families grieve their loss, the world mourns with them and hopes for a better future for Haiti.
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