A married couple from the US who were serving as missionaries in Haiti were tragically killed on Thursday, according to family members. Davy and Natalie Lloyd were attacked by gangs and both lost their lives, as shared by Natalie Lloyd's father, Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker, in a Facebook post. "They went to Heaven together," he wrote.
The Lloyds got married in 2022, as shared on Baker's social media. They both worked for Missions in Haiti, Inc., a organization run by Davy Lloyd's parents for over twenty years.
The organization posted on their Facebook page about an incident where Davy, Natalie, and their children were attacked by a gang of three trucks as they were leaving Youth at the church. Davy was tied up, beaten, and taken to the house. The gang then stole their trucks and took whatever they wanted before leaving.
American missionaries Davy and Natalie Lloyd were killed in Haiti on Thursday, May 23, family members said.
American missionaries Davy and Natalie Lloyd were killed in Haiti on Thursday, May 23, family members said.
Missions in Haiti
Three hours later, Missions in Haiti posted that Davy and Natalie “were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o’clock this evening. We all are devastated.”
Baker requested prayers for her family and the Lloyd family on social media, expressing a desperate need for strength. She mentioned that she had no further words at that moment.
Missouri Republican Governor Mike Parson expressed his sadness for the couple's loss on X Friday morning, describing it as "absolutely heartbreaking news."
CNN has reached out to Haitian officials and missions in Haiti for more details. They have also contacted the US State Department for a comment.
The White House, in a statement to CNN on Friday, acknowledged the reports and offered condolences. They also called for the swift deployment of a UN Security Council-approved international police force to the area.
"We are saddened by the news of the deaths of U.S. citizens in Haiti. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time," a spokesperson for national security shared with CNN. President Biden recently reaffirmed our commitment to swiftly deploy the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to strengthen the Haitian National Police's ability to protect civilians, uphold the rule of law, and pave the way for democratic governance, emphasizing the urgency of the security situation in Haiti.
During a joint press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto, Biden explained the decision to not send US troops to Haiti. He expressed concerns about the potential for misunderstandings and misuse of such a deployment, highlighting the support already provided by the US through equipment and training to address the crisis in Haiti.
The Facebook feed of Missions in Haiti has been sharing updates on the worsening conditions in the country. According to a post on April 23, the gangs are continuing to fight for control, leading to chaos. It appears that Haiti is being neglected by the world, leaving it vulnerable to complete gang control.
This story has been updated with more reactions.
CNN’s Donald Judd contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic murder of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, American missionaries serving in Haiti, has sent shockwaves through the global community. Their selfless dedication to helping the Haitian people highlights the dangers faced by aid workers in conflict zones. The incident underscores the urgent need for international intervention to restore peace and stability in Haiti, where gangs have gained alarming control.
The White House's call for the swift deployment of a UN-approved international police force is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of Haiti's instability, including poverty, corruption, and political turmoil. The international community must work together to provide comprehensive support to the Haitian government and people, empowering them to rebuild their country and create a more just and equitable society.