LA VERKIN, Utah — Saying they have felt the prayers of those who have reached out, family members of the Haight family remembered their loved ones during a funeral service for the seven people tragically killed inside their Enoch home last week.
PHOTOS: Friends, family mourn loss of Haight family at funeral service
Following the service attended by over 800 people at a La Verkin stake center Friday morning, the devastating sight of several hearses was seen outside as a single coffin was placed inside each vehicle.
Watch the full statement from the Earl family below
The service was open to the public, and due to the outpouring of emotions, an overflow area was set up at a chapel nearby.
Photos of Tausha Haight, along with her five children and mother, Gail Earl, were featured on the service's program. Police say the seven victims were shot and killed by Tausha's husband, Michael, inside the family's Enoch home on Jan. 4.
During the ceremony, Tausha's sister, Kandace Earl Booth, said the greatest joy in her mother's life was her family and that she left a mark on so many lives with her kindness, and that her sister was always thinking of and serving others.
The unique personalities of all five Haight children, Macie, Briley, Sienna, Ammon and Gavin were brought up, like Briley being a bookworm and Sienna having blue eyes that "pierce your soul when she looked at you."
While reading a family statement after the service, Brett Earl, Tausha's brother and Gail's third son, thanked various police departments, first responders and city and church officials who have aided the family throughout the tragedy.
"A special thanks to family and friends," said Earl, holding back tears. "Any and all who offered prayers of comfort and support, we want you to know that we felt them. They have sustained us and supported us."
Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson said Friday's emotional service served as a moment of healing.
"I consider it like a balm, we put ointment on our wounds to help them heal faster, to heal softer, We put band aids on, we do things that help the pain and the wounds to heal and that's what this is. This is one way that we are able to cover and he'll softer and cleaner together," he said.
Earl shared the family's appreciation to the respect the media has shown, who he acknowledged are eager to discover what he called "the story" as the Earl and Haight families deal with what happened and what led to the murder-suicide.
"And there is a story here," Earl emphasized. "Certainly, there is a story of two families hurt and broken through an unthinkable tragedy. The chaos within each of us wants to see the struggle and contention between rival families.
"With grateful hearts, we are delighted to confirm that that is not the case here."
Earl said both families are finding comfort and solace through faith. He said people have reached out to say the story following the tragedy has touched their own families and led them to help find healing and closure within their own family dynamic.
"Please, if you find yourself hurting in any way, seek help and begin your journey to healing," Earl pleaded.
Following the service, the family was buried at the La Verkin City Cemetery. Serenity Funeral Home has created an online obituary for the Haights which offers places to share memories and send flowers.
