The State Department confirmed Thursday that the bodies of two American missionaries shot and killed in Haiti last week have been returned to the United States.
Deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said the bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd had been repatriated and were now in the United States.
“I will not go into any further discussion, other than reiterating what the State Department said last weekend: we offer our deepest condolences to the families of these two U.S. citizens,” Patel said in a statement.
Haitian police say the Lois were shot and killed on May 23 by members of a gang that controls much of the island.
American missionary killed by Haitian gang ‘gave everything’ to people there, family says
American missionaries Davey and Natalie Lloyd were killed in a gang attack in Haiti, according to Natalie’s father, Missouri Congressman Ben Baker. (Ben Baker via Facebook)
According to the nonprofit organization Mission in Haiti, Davey, Natalie and several other children were attending a church youth group on May 23 when they were “ambushed by a group of men in three trucks.”
“Davey was tied up, beaten and taken to a house, after which the gang got into our truck, loaded him up with whatever they wanted and left,” Mission in Haiti said in a social media post.
Natalie’s father, Missouri Congressman Ben Baker, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post.
“My heart is shattered. I have never felt such pain before,” Baker wrote. “They have gone to heaven together. Please pray for my family. We really need strength. And please pray for Lloyd’s family. I have no other words right now.”
U.S. missionary couple killed in Haiti, agency says
Davey and Natalie Lloyd are seen in this photo provided by Brad Searcy Photography. Three American missionaries were killed in an ambush in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, mission officials said on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Brad Searcy via The Associated Press)
Mission in Haiti is a nonprofit Christian mission organization founded by David and Alicia Lloyd, which has been working in the Caribbean since 2000, according to the organization’s website. The couple’s son, Davy, and his wife, Natalie Lloyd (Baker), joined the mission organization after their wedding in June 2022, according to Natalie’s Instagram account.
“On behalf of the President, our Ambassador to Haiti has been in contact with the family. Ministries have also been in contact with the family. We understand the unimaginable grief they are experiencing. I would also like to add that the repatriation took place today in accordance with the family’s wishes. As such, officials in Port-au-Prince are working with the family to arrange for their transfer to the United States,” Patel wrote.
Hundreds mourn after Haitian mission head and young American couple murdered by gang
A funeral procession heads to the cemetery after the funeral ceremony for mission director Judeth Monteith, who was killed along with two American missionaries by a gang in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Odeline Joseph)
The main international airport in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, reopened on Monday for the first time since March but the seaport remains closed. The Associated Press reports that 80% of the capital is controlled by gangs.
The US government, along with non-profit organisations operating in the capital, evacuated hundreds of civilians fleeing the riots by helicopter.
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Former President Trump also commented on the tragedy, posting on Truth Social: “God bless Davy and Natalie.”
“This is a tragedy. Haiti is completely out of control. Find the killers now!” Trump wrote.
Fox News Digital’s Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
