Vigil held for Spanish Fork woman killed in West Jordan domestic violence incident
Macey Smith, Jill's sister, speaks while surrounded by family members during a vigil for Jill Lloyd, a Spanish Fork resident who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident in West Jordan, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Janice Ottesen, right, stands with her daughter-in-law, Tasia Ottesen, as Tasia releases her balloon along with others during a vigil for Jill Lloyd, a Spanish Fork resident who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident in West Jordan, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. Janice explained that her children grew up knowing Jill. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Sam Horsley, 1, who's family was Jill's next-door neighbor, plays with fruit snacks in front of a commemorative sign before a vigil for Jill Lloyd, a Spanish Fork resident who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident in West Jordan, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Molly Christensen, of Roy, wipes a tear from her eye while people speak during a vigil for Jill Lloyd, a Spanish Fork resident who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident in West Jordan, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
Utah County Commissioner Nathan Ivie, center, stands with fellow commissioners Bill Lee, right, and Greg Graves during a vigil for Jill Lloyd, a Spanish Fork resident who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident in West Jordan, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. ISAAC HALE, Daily Herald
More than 100 family, friends and community members gathered at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds on Wednesday evening to remember Jill Lloyd, who was recently killed in a domestic violence incident.
Lloyd grew up in the Spanish Fork area, and friends and family remembered her as someone who always overcame adversity and put a smile on others’ faces.
“She had a nickname for everyone,” said childhood friend, Natalie Swenson.
Lloyd, 36, was reportedly shot to death June 28 by Andrew Larsen, the father of her 11-year-old son, while she was stopped in her vehicle at an intersection in West Jordan. Larsen was later found dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“I kind of hate dwelling on her death, because it was so disgusting,” said Beth Serrano, who had been friends with Lloyd since their early teens. “There was more to her than that moment.”
Lloyd’s sister, Macey Smith, remembered Lloyd as someone who had been through many rough times, but had always overcome the adversity. She had recently found happiness, Smith said, and was engaged to be married to a man she loved.
“She has been through a lot, through a lot of loss,” Swenson said. “But she always found a way to get through it. She would strive to be a better person.”
Family members came to the vigil at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds from the mortuary, and many community members came right after a domestic violence town hall held at the fairgrounds before the vigil began.
Smith said the family was originally planning the vigil at the cemetery, but when she heard about the town hall, she decided the two events should coincide.
“This was kind of a coincidence how this all came together on the same night,” Smith said.
“I think the most important thing about this whole situation is spreading awareness about domestic violence, and being aware of when a friend is feeling afraid, or feeling in need,” Swenson said.
She said people should never take their friends or friendships for granted.
“I never thought in a million years I would have a friend taken by murder,” Swenson said. “We’re just a bunch of small-town girls who’ve never hurt anybody.”
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