CEDAR CITY — Dozens of people gathered at Canyon View High School on Monday evening to remember 17-year-old Macie Haight and the other members of her family who were murdered in Enoch last week.
As previously reported, police were called to the residence of Michael and Tausha Haight to perform a welfare check on the afternoon of Jan. 4; the Haights, along with their five children and Tausha Haight’s mother Gail Earl, were all found dead inside the home from gunshot wounds.
Investigators say Michael Haight killed all seven family members before turning the gun on himself.
Tausha Haight had filed for divorce two weeks earlier, on Dec. 21, officials said last week.
Macie, the family’s oldest child, was a student at Canyon View High and at Success Academy.
During Monday night’s candlelight vigil, Suzie Stoker, one of Macie’s teachers, read a poem she’d written, entitled, “Words Attributed to Macie.”
As she read her poem by flashlight, surrounded by approximately 200 people, Stoker said that even though the dictionary contains 578,707 words, “I struggled to find the words to say.”
She said:
Words are not enough. Not enough to express who you truly are. Not enough to describe your stunning personality, not enough to tell the world about your love, your acts of kindness and your friendship.
Five-hundred seventy-eight-thousand seven-hundred and seven words in the dictionary, yet I think I may have found one that I can use. Yes, sunshine. It just might do. The way you make us laugh makes everything in our lives light up, just like sunshine. The way you treat others, they are bound to leave with a feeling of warmth, just like sunshine.
The things we say, the love we share, the way we treat others. Your sunshine will live on through each and every one of us.
Even as those in the crowd huddled next to each other for warmth on a cold and windy night, Canyon View High School principal Denny Heaton had made a similar analogy during his brief welcoming remarks.
“I saw a close acquaintance of the family who were grieving, who said, ‘I spent days digging through the darkness, and now I’m just going to focus on the light.
“So, as you hold your candle tonight … please remember that life is always better when we focus on the light.”
The half-hour vigil included a vocal musical number by English teacher Kaeli Madsen and a stirring performance by the Canyon View High School madrigal choir, who sang “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.”
In a news release issued by Enoch City on Monday afternoon, officials confirmed that the funeral service for Gail Earl, Tausha Haight and her five children will be held in LaVerkin on Friday. The service will be private, with attendance limited to family members and friends, the release stated.
The city’s news release also noted that the tragic incident “has been felt throughout the community, the State of Utah, and the world.”
Until the investigation by law enforcement and Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office has been completed, no additional information is available, the release added.
On Friday, Jan. 13, later in the evening after the private funeral services, a public candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Enoch City Recreation Center, 4820 N. Old Highway 91. The event is sponsored by Enoch City Police, Canyon Creek Services, American Red Cross and Utah Domestic Violence Coalition.
The city’s news release also encouraged people to share their support and resources with those in need.
“Every good action produces a ripple of good will towards our shared belief in the greatness of humanity,” the statement said. “Many feel the desire to share their resources with the grieving families and affected first responders and you are invited to do so.”
A number of fundraising events and activities have been organized to help raise money to help pay for funeral costs and other expenses and to assist law enforcement officers and first responders with any counseling or support they might need.
The fundraisers include but are not limited to the following:
- A GoFundMe page called “Gail Earl, and the Tausha Haight family” has been established by family member Heather Haight of Washington, Utah. According to the page, “The funds will go towards any funeral expenses if needed, legal fees, and a memorial fund in honor of Tausha’s children.” As of Monday evening, the page had received more than $70,000 in total, from more than 800 donors.
- A barbecue fundraising dinner is being sponsored by Friends of the Iron County Sheriff, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, along with a raffle for various prizes donated by members of the community. The event is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Cedar City Elks Lodge 1556. Dinner cost is $20 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Proceeds will go to the Haight Family Trust and for mental health assistance for first responders. For more information visit the Friends of the Iron County Sheriff website.
- FineIron LLC is holding a raffle for a new Miller 211 welder and various supplies, with all proceeds going to the Haight family toward burial costs. Entries may be made for a $5 minimum at thesteelstore.net. Raffle closes on Jan. 14, with random drawing to be held the following day.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.
Photo Gallery
Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Singers perform during candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Teacher Suzie Stoker reads a poem during candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Candlelight vigil at Canyon View High School for 17-year-old student Macie Haight and the rest of her family, Cedar City, Utah, Jan. 9, 2023 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News Promotional flyer for upcoming BBQ dinner fundraiser in Cedar City, Utah on Jan. 14, 2023 | Image courtesy of The Friends of Iron County Sheriff, St. George News / Cedar City News
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