Sara Gilson’s Best Friend of More Than 2 Decades Remembers the ‘Loving’ Influencer’s Last Day Alive (Exclusive)

In a tragic turn of events, the life of Sara Gilson, a 43-year-old influencer and mother of two from Oklahoma, was violently cut short when she was shot by her estranged husband in a murder-suicide incident. This devastating occurrence has left her friends and family mourning the loss of what they describe as a vibrant and joyful individual.

Kelsi Lard, a close friend of Gilson for over two decades, fondly remembers their last day together. Speaking exclusively to a publication, she reflected on how Gilson had been in high spirits, joking and laughing until their fateful encounter was abruptly ended. “Her last day, she was happy,” Lard stated. “As always, she was cracking jokes and making me laugh. I will miss her so much.”

Lard expressed her desire not to define Gilson’s life solely by the tragedy of her passing. “I don’t want her life to be diminished into what happened in the end. She brought so much joy to all of us, and I’ll miss her every day,” she shared, highlighting the positive impact Gilson had on those around her.

Authorities confirmed that Gilson was found dead at her home on Thursday, July 23, following an incident involving Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, 48, who then took his own life. The sequence of events unfolded just weeks after Gilson had publicly accused Duffey of being a “pedophile,” escalating a troubling domestic situation that had become increasingly tense.

Lard noted that Gilson’s greatest pride was her role as a mother to her two children from her previous marriage to Lyle Landers. According to Lard, Gilson was a devoted parent who loved her children fiercely. “She was a fun, loving and devoted mum,” she said. “She loved them more than anything in this world. She’d do anything for them.”

Additionally, a fellow salon worker at Glaze Salon in Collinsville shared heartfelt sentiments regarding her interactions with Gilson on the day of her death. She wishes she could have conveyed just how much she appreciated being part of Gilson’s life. “If I would have known the last time I talked to her would have been the last time I talked to her, I would have given her a big hug,” the friend recalled. Despite Gilson’s aversion to hugs, the friend wanted to express her love and admiration for her colleague, who was regarded as family within the salon.

The devastating loss of Gilson has left her colleagues and friends in shock. One anonymous coworker reflected on the palpable void left in the salon following Gilson’s death. “Her empty chair, not seeing her and her bubbly personality—it’s just pure shock,” she lamented. “She was just the life of the party. She was always joking and always had something funny to say.”

Gilson’s struggles with her estranged husband were not new. Court records indicate that she had previously filed two protective orders against Duffey in 2021, which were dismissed when she did not attend the hearing. In June 2023, Gilson sought an emergency protective order, which was granted, resulting in Duffey being ordered to vacate their home and maintain a distance of 100 yards from her.

The situation escalated gravely when Gilson described Duffey’s erratic behaviour in her application, alleging that he threatened suicide and possessed a firearm. The timeline of events grew more chilling, as another protective order was filed by a mother on behalf of her daughter, who had been a player on a youth basketball team coached by Duffey. Allegations of inappropriate conduct were brought forth against him, stating he had engaged in unwelcome advances toward the minor.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Gilson had alluded to her troubling situation with Duffey in a TikTok video, suggesting the gravity of her circumstances was acknowledged publicly, yet helped done little to resolve them.

Following this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Gilson’s children as they navigate life without their mother. The overwhelming sentiments from friends and community members continue to pour in, showcasing the profound loss felt by many.

For those affected by similar issues, resources are available for assistance. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide confidential support around the clock, ensuring that help is always accessible.

The story of Sara Gilson serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of domestic relationships and the serious implications they can have, emphasising a community’s need to support those in vulnerable situations.