OWASSO, OK.
Family and friends are remembering Sarah Duffy, who police say was shot and killed by her ex-husband in Thursday night murder-suicidelike a devoted mother who lit up every room she entered.
You can help Sarah’s family Here.
How the shooting was discovered
Police say a neighbor called 911 after Duffy’s son came to her door asking for help. Investigators say Sean Duffy shot Sarah Duffy and then shot himself.
Sarah Duffy received a protection order against her husband last month. Police say he violated that order Thursday night. Court records show she also filed a protective order against him in 2021.
“It was just heartbreaking, amazing. I just… I saw the post on Facebook and I just started crying my eyes out,” said Colby Manry, Sarah’s niece.
Who was Sarah Duffy
Duffy, whose name was Sarah Gilson, worked as a hairdresser and gained a following as an influencer on TikTok, where she sold clothes and jewelry.
Her niece Colby Manry said Sarah was growing as an influencer, but her biggest role was being a mom.
“She would do absolutely anything for her children,” Manry said. “I’ve seen a lot of people describe her as a fierce, loving mom.”
Manry said her aunt also left her with many special memories.
“As soon as you see her, you automatically smile,” Manry said. “She makes you laugh until you literally feel a pain in your stomach or cry tears of laughter.”
Favorite hairdresser
Sarah’s clients described her as more than just a hairdresser – many called her a true friend and source of support.
“Seeing and reading all of her clients’ posts on her wall and seeing the stories is just a testament to her passion for what she did—not just for hair, but for people,” Manry said.
“Life of the Party”
Lyle Landers, the father of her two teenage children, wrote in a Facebook post that Duffy was “the life of the party” who loved her children more than anything and “fought to the death for them.”
Landers, who described Duffy as a mother, daughter and sister, said his children woke up Thursday without their mother. He said, “What happened to her last night was unfathomable to me,” and later said the family would get through it and he would do everything he could to remind his children who their mom was, was and always will be.
Manry said she was devastated when she learned of what happened.
“It was just gut-wrenching and amazing,” she said. “I saw the post on Facebook and I just started crying.”
A vigil is being planned.
A vigil for Sarah is planned for Saturday at 8 pm at Morrow Elementary School in Collinsville.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.