Missouri House of Representatives member Ben Baker announced on social media that his daughter, Natalie Lloyd, and her husband Davy Lloyd were killed while serving as missionaries in Haiti. The couple, full-time missionaries, were attacked by gangs on Thursday evening in the Lizon area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city.
Heartbreaking Loss and Grief
Ben Baker expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of his daughter and son-in-law, describing his heart as “broken in a thousand pieces.” He requested prayers for both families and expressed that he had no further words to share at this moment.
Details of the Attack
According to Missions in Haiti, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Oklahoma that has been active in Haiti since 2000, Natalie and Davy Lloyd, along with another missionary named Jude, were shot and killed while taking refuge in a house around 9 p.m. local time on Thursday. The organization expressed devastation over the loss but did not provide additional details when contacted by CBS News.
Government and International Response
The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the deaths of U.S. citizens in Haiti but declined to comment further out of respect for the family during this difficult time. The incident occurred amid ongoing violence in Haiti, which has escalated significantly since late February when heavily armed gangs launched coordinated attacks on government institutions and infrastructure.
The unrest has led to more than 2,500 deaths, injuries, or kidnappings, marking a record high in deadly violence according to the United Nations. In response, the U.S. government has organized evacuation flights for American citizens from Haiti.
Political Developments in Haiti
The situation in Haiti remains unstable, with political turmoil exacerbated by the recent resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. A new transitional council has been sworn in, signaling ongoing political changes amid the country’s struggle with escalating violence and insecurity.
The tragic deaths of Natalie Lloyd and Davy Lloyd while serving as missionaries in Haiti have sent shockwaves through their community and beyond. The incident underscores the dangers faced by individuals working in humanitarian missions in volatile regions like Haiti. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their deaths, their families and loved ones are left mourning a profound loss, and the broader community is reminded of the risks and sacrifices made by those dedicated to helping others in need.