Roosevelt Community Mourns Loss of 12-Year-Old Lydia Love, Honors Sister’s Memory
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A wave of grief has washed over Roosevelt, Utah, as residents came together Tuesday evening to remember Lydia Love, a 12-year-old girl tragically killed in a pedestrian accident last week. The vigil also served as a poignant tribute to Lydia’s older sister, Jaydlen, whose third death anniversary was just days away.
A Community United in Loss
The candlelight vigil, held Tuesday night, underscored the deep connection between the Love family and the Roosevelt community. “I just keep thinking, it took a community to raise my girls, and it takes a community to say goodbye,” shared Sandra Chatwin, Lydia and Jaydlen’s mother, encapsulating the collective sorrow. Attendees held candles, offered each other support, and shared cherished memories of Lydia.
Friends described Lydia as a bright and compassionate spirit. “She’s just so sweet and caring, and I’m going to miss her so much,” said Elyse Jackman, Lydia’s best friend. Elyse’s mother, Lisa Jackman, added, “From the moment that you met her, she was your best friend.” Many remembered Lydia as a joyful and energetic presence. “Happy, energetic, little fire spit that made everybody laugh and made everybody smile anytime she got with them,” one attendee recalled.
A Double Tragedy
The pain of Lydia’s passing is compounded by the recent loss of her sister, Jaydlen, who succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer three years prior. The vigil served as a dual memorial, honoring both daughters and acknowledging the profound grief experienced by the Chatwin family. Chatwin lit the first candle at the vigil, with others following suit, symbolizing the shared light of remembrance.
The circumstances surrounding Lydia’s death are particularly heartbreaking. According to reports, she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street with a friend, Elyse Jackman, on their way to a martial arts class. Lisa Jackman expressed a sense of gratitude amidst the tragedy, stating, “When I spoke to the detective about it, he actually choked up and said, ‘hold that little girl so close, because it was this close,’ and I mean the idea that it was so close, it was so close, and I’m so grateful every minute of every day.”
Calls for Safety and Support
Elyse Jackman hopes this tragedy will serve as a stark reminder to drivers to exercise caution, particularly in areas frequented by children. “Please just watch for kids,” she pleaded. “Just make sure you keep an eye out — that’s really it. It just breaks my heart that that happened. She really didn’t deserve that.”
Lisa Jackman eloquently expressed the depth of the family’s loss, stating, “The reason why grieving hurts so bad is because we knew a love so strong, and we’re better for having known such a wonderful little girl.”
Supporting the Love Family
In honor of Lydia and Jaydlen, the family is accepting donations for Primary Children’s Hospital. They are requesting contributions of new and unused toys, games, blankets, and soft gifts, all of which must be unwrapped and in their original packaging, clearly labeled “In Honor of Jaydlen and Lydia.”
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
Roosevelt: King’s Peak Credit Union, Farm Bureau Insurance, High Country Pizza and Deli, Little Basin Bees Daycare (209 N. 100 East and 145 N. State Street), Sprouse Insurance Agency, Tickle Me Pink, and Techris Design.
Vernal: Hit The Roast Coffee Shop (22 W. Main Street), Heritage Chevrolet, and Sprouse Insurance.
Duchesne: Sprouse Insurance.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to assist the family with funeral expenses.
The Roosevelt Police Department confirmed that the crash remains under investigation, with the Duchesne County Attorney’s office overseeing the inquiry.
