The family and friends of Sara Gilson are mourning her tragic death, which occurred after she was allegedly killed by her estranged husband, Shawn Duffey, in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide.
In a heartfelt interview with People, Gilson’s close friend Kelsi Lard reflected on their time together on the day Gilson’s life was cut short. “Her last day, she was happy,” Lard shared, remembering how Gilson was making jokes and spreading laughter. “I will miss her so much. I don’t want her life to be reduced to its tragic end. She brought so much joy to all of us, and I’ll miss her every day.”
Lard, who has been friends with Gilson for over 20 years, emphasized that Gilson would want to be remembered primarily as a devoted mother to her two children. Gilson had told Lard that being a parent was her “greatest accomplishment.” Gilson shared these children with her ex-husband, Lyle Landers.
“She was a fun, loving and devoted mom. She loved [her kids] more than anything in this world. She’d do anything for them,” Lard added.
On Thursday, July 23, Gilson and Duffey were discovered deceased in their Tulsa, Oklahoma, home. Gilson was 43 years old. According to local reports, an unidentified family member at the scene suggested that the deaths resulted from a murder-suicide, and the police investigation is still ongoing.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Gilson had accused Duffey of pedophilia, allegations he did not respond to before their deaths. The couple had separated earlier in the summer.
Courtesy of Chris O’Donnell/Instagram; Courtesy of Kyle Marisa Roth/Instagram The deaths of several online stars have shaken the TikTok and influencer community — and broken the hearts of countless fans — over the years. Taylor Rousseau Grigg died in October 2024 at the age of 25 after battling undisclosed medical issues. Her husband, Cameron Grigg, […]
In a heartfelt TikTok message addressing her divorce, Gilson expressed gratitude for the support she received. “Thank you for the army. Your thoughts, prayers and gift cards have meant more than you know,” she wrote. She highlighted her focus on her children’s well-being during this difficult time, adding, “We are not OK and I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same, but God has been so faithful in this process and I feel his presence in everything I do.”
Landers, who was Gilson’s ex-husband, revealed in an interview that he had urged her to leave Duffey, claiming she was trapped in a relationship where domestic abuse seemed acceptable. “I had begged her for five years to get away from him. I had offered to help her, in any way I could, to get away from him. But, he seemed to have some sort of control over her, and she couldn’t seem to get away,” he told People.
Despite their divorce seven years prior, Landers noted that he and Gilson maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, which greatly benefited their children. “We coparent as well as anyone, and it has shown in our kids,” he stated. “She was a wonderful mother and would die for her children. In fact, her trying to protect children is what ultimately led to her death.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
