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Searchlights go up in Duxbury to remember tragic deaths of Laney Ladd and Clancy children

Four searchlights, three white and one purple, were turned on to remember the three Clancy children and Laney Ladd, respectively

DUXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS: Duxbury is still not over the shock of the tragic incident of a mother, Lindsay Clancy, who allegedly killed her own children. In memory of the three children who were killed by their own mother and another child who died due to a sudden illness, Duxbury has now set up four lights in the name '4 Angels Memorial.'

Many rushed to the vigil to pay respect for the young souls who departed early in January. The lights were presented to Duxbury on March 2, 2023. The tragic murder-suicide attempt by Clancy led to the death of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan. However, the fourth child, 6-year-old Laney Ladd, who is unrelated to the murders, died of a sudden illness. Clancy has been charged with two counts of murder, three counts of strangulation, and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

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What is the significance of the lights?

The lights are named '4 Angels Memorial.' It is currently displayed in front of the Duxbury Holy Family Church. The lights are used to represent the children whose lights were gone too soon. Handfield, who is a long-time resident and the man behind the idea of the lights, told the media, "The tragedies affected a lot of people in the town. The town needed something positive. … I just thought it would be just a nice thing to honor all the kids. I hope it helps a lot of people in town in different ways." There are three white lights for the Clancy children and purple for Ladd, which is her favorite color. The lights were switched on by Patrick Clancy's parents, along with Jeff and Erin Ladd. Tim Heinstadt, who is the sponsor for the maintenance work at the church, claimed, “I think everyone’s taking what they want out of it, but it’s interesting,” he said. “You go there, and even at 10 o’clock at night, I’ll go some nights, and people are just sitting in their cars watching it," as per Boston.com.

GoFundMe campaign for the '4 Angels Memorial'

A GoFundMe campaign was set up to build the lights as a symbol for the children. The campaign note stated, "The "4 Angels Memorial" will be a temporary memorial for Laney Ladd and the three Clancy children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan to be set up on the lower grass area of Holy Family Church in Duxbury Massachusetts. The memorial consists of four individual searchlights pointed up into the sky(three yellow and one purple) a symbol of their eternal light and to honor their memory. The memorial will run the month of March starting with a candlelight vigil the first weekend of March." Further, it added, "Pat Clancy and the Ladds have given the project their full approval. The town of Duxbury select board approved the project at their 2/13 meeting. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the rental of the searchlights and the electric bill at Holy Family Church. Any additional funds raised will be donated to the "Love for Lane" playground project."