Grief and Remembrance

On January 4th, 2023 eight members of the Haight family were discovered to be dead after a welfare check at their family home in Enoch, Utah. The details of which, I am sure most of you already know. The tragedy is all over the news and even in presidential statements. And while their tone is somber, journalists and reporters will never be able to truly grasp the shock, sadness, confusion, and anger our community is feeling.

Enoch is not the type of place where tragedy strikes. I myself have lived nearby Enoch for 17 years and haven’t heard so much as a pin drop from the town. It is the kind of place where visitors are always welcome and doors are always open. Yet, here we are amidst devastation. Maybe tragedy not only strikes when you are least expecting it, but also where you are least expecting it, and none of us expected it in the Haight household.

Many of us considered the Haights to be friends, neighbors, or even family. I myself was acquainted with the eldest daughter of the Haight family. While we only crossed paths on occasion, I was always struck by her charming laugh and bright smile whenever I was in her company. Now, I have spent hours thinking of the long, fulfilling life she was robbed of and struggle to come to terms with the fact that this tragedy leaves us without closure and without justice for the victims.

I know I am not the only one struggling with the loss of the Haight family. However, hand in hand our community takes on this grief together. In remembrance of the Haight family, a memorial has formed near the Haight family home. On Monday, January 9, 2023, members of the CVHS community gathered in loving memory of one of its own and her family. We lit candles as we were comforted by music. Because together, we are always better. In addition, the Iron County School District has mobilized a crisis response team made up of therapists and counselors to provide students, parents, and school personnel support during this time.

At Canyon View High School our hearts and our prayers go out to those who are struggling with the loss of the members of the Haight family and encourage you to use the resources our community offers. We stand with you- you are not alone.

May Gail Earl, Tausha Haight, and her 5 children rest in peace.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or suicidal thoughts please use these resources:

Canyon Creek Services 24-hour Hotline: 435-233-5732

Utah’s 24-hour Sexual Violence Help Line: (801) 736-4356

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788

Utah’s 24 Hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741