Enoch, Utah — The Enoch community concluded an emotional day of remembrance of the Haight family on Friday, just hours after family and friends said goodbye to Gail Earl, Tausha Haight, and her five children.
Kate Sorenson, Executive Director of Canyon Creek Services, said:
The nonprofit joined the Enoch Police Department and the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to sponsor a memorial service that included writing a message to the Haight family.
Lieutenant Governor Deirdre Henderson was one of a handful of speakers addressing dozens of community members in attendance.
“We love you. See you soon. We share our condolences with you,” Henderson said. “Thank you for loving each other. Thank you for setting an example of how to love your neighbor.”
In memory of the Haight family, I continued all night @CityEnoch. @LGHHenderson Utah @Utah Dv Thank you to our community for setting an example of lifting each other up and loving each other. They asked for help with domestic violence and urged them to continue reaching out to their neighbors.@KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/cQwRMPVLxE
— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) January 14, 2023
Vigil organizers have also recognized the resilience of the community over the past few days and their ability to reach out and lift each other up even in times of need. They also asked for help when needed and urged them to be part of the solution to ending domestic violence.
“We are not afraid to come together and feel what we feel. We are not afraid to reach out to those we love most and see how much we love them,” Sorenson said. said.
“Tell your loved ones how much you love them.”
Early in the day, hundreds gathered at La Birkin, 45 miles south of Enoch, home of Geir Earl and where Tausha Haight grew up.
More than 830 people gathered at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to say goodbye to Gail, Tausha, and each of her five children.
Brett Earl said, “I want everyone who has sent prayers of comfort and support to know that they felt they supported and supported us.
Brett is Gail’s son, Tausha’s brother, and one of six members of the family who addressed the large audience at the funeral.
The front of the chapel was decorated with floral arrangements and photographs of each person, from Gavin, 4, who “had the best hug”, to his brothers, Ammon and Sienna, 7, who were preparing to be baptized. It contained seven coffins. To Briley who loved books and music. and the oldest child who was preparing to graduate from high school and enter SUU.
Tausha’s siblings remember Tausha as a wonderful mother who always sacrificed for her children.
They said their mother, Gail, organized this funeral, giving each of the children their own topic and giving them each the gospel lessons she had taught them growing up.
“I know you want to know this story,” Brett told media after the funeral.
“Indeed, there are stories of two families marred and shattered by unimaginable tragedy.”
However, he said, this is also a story in which “these families find peace, comfort and solace through the beauty of knowing God’s plan of salvation.”
In a prepared family statement, Brett urged those still hurt to reach out for help and lift others up. He said he found the greatest help in surviving the tragedy.
“Only a kind, merciful, loving Heavenly Father and God can take this tragedy that has touched us so deeply, reach deep into each of us, and give us the opportunity to heal, grow and progress. You can turn it into a miracle,” he said. “That’s what I hope each of you finds in your quest to move forward from this tragedy.”
Events to remember families and support the community were expected to last through the weekend.
The nonprofit Friends of the Iron County Sheriff’s Office said it had raised thousands of dollars and will hold a raffle event the next day. All proceeds will be donated to the family to help heal first responders and the community.
