Image: Mission in Haiti – Davy (left) and Natalie (center) Lloyd have worked at an orphanage in Haiti since 2022.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In a devastating incident on Thursday, two young American missionaries, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with Haitian church leader Jude Montis, were tragically killed amid escalating gang violence in Haiti.
The three were ambushed by gang members as they left a youth group service, according to Missions in Haiti’s Facebook page. Armed men stole vehicles and looted the mission, and a violent clash ensued when another gang arrived.
A U.S.-based missionary receiving reports described the scene: “Davy, Natalie, and Jude were using the internet to call me when the gangs began shooting. They were holed up in a house which was eventually set on fire.”
Efforts to contact Haitian police were unsuccessful, and communication was lost as phone lines went down. Missions in Haiti pleaded for prayers from their 4,500 Facebook followers: “PLEASE PRAY. Going to be a long night.”
By 9 p.m., the tragic news came that the house was on fire and the three had perished. Montis was 45 years old, Davy was 23, and Natalie was 21.
“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” wrote Natalie’s father, Missouri State House Rep. Ben Baker. “I’ve never felt this kind of pain.”
Haiti has been plagued by gang violence, with nearly 5,000 people killed last year. In 2024, gangs turned against politicians and launched coordinated attacks on the government, taking control of about 80% of the capital. A temporary governing council was established to quell the violence, but peace remains elusive.
A UN-approved peacekeeping mission involving 1,000 Kenyan police officers has faced repeated delays. On Thursday, a flight carrying 200 officers was canceled at the last minute. US officials cited a lack of necessary equipment for the deployment.
The American government has committed $300 million to the mission, and hundreds of American citizens have been evacuated. However, not everyone has been able or willing to leave. Missions in Haiti, founded by Davy Lloyd’s parents in 2000, has continued its work despite increasing dangers.
The organization has grown significantly, now serving over 400 children annually with food, education, and spiritual guidance. Davy and Natalie joined the mission in 2022, bringing hope and dedication to their roles. Davy focused on maintenance and construction projects, while Natalie worked with orphans, sharing her faith and joy through social media.
Despite the violence, the missionaries remained hopeful. Davy acknowledged the larger problems in Haiti, stating, “Really, we need a miracle. We need God to move.” Natalie expressed her unwavering trust in God: “God is always faithful to His promises. He is unchanging & He never wavers.”
In their final days, the missionaries believed that help was on the way, noting increased military activity and a reopening of the airport. David Lloyd, Davy’s father, wrote optimistically about the potential end of gang rule: “We are praying this will happen and the sooner the better.”
The bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd have been moved to the American embassy, and their families ask for continued prayers during this heart-wrenching time.
For those wishing to support, Missions in Haiti encourages prayers and advocacy to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
Divinity Daily extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of Davy, Natalie, and Jude. We pray for peace and healing in Haiti, and for God’s comfort to surround all those affected by this tragedy.
