Two days after loved ones gathered to mourn the loss of 17-year-old Maggie Long, a family friend has shared a loving message from her family.
Long was found dead in her burned home near Bailey on December 1. Her death has since been ruled a homicide, but investigators are still working to identify a suspect.
Family friend Ellen Stoddard-Keyes shared a message from the family to Facebook on Saturday morning:
"I'm sharing a letter from the family of Maggie Long. This is beautifully written with so much love. Lynna and Connie care about the Bailey community, and especially Maggie's classmates, and encourage people to use the services available. #BaileyStrong #ColoradoCrisisServices"
"The fear of death takes away the joy of living.”
Our beloved sister, daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece, friend, and classmate, Maggie was a joy in all our lives. As many of you are aware, on the night of Friday, December 1, 2017 Maggie moved on from this world.
Our hearts are broken, and this loss has been especially significant knowing the impact that our Maggie had on this small mountain community. We thank everyone in Bailey as well as those in communities near and far that Maggie’s life has touched for their support and love shared.
Our family continues to work with Park County Sheriff’s Office and extended agencies; we want to thank them for their tremendous efforts. We are all committed to seeking justice for Maggie.
To the Bailey community, please report any suspicious vehicles, individuals or activities along County Road 43 in Bailey, CO on December 1, 2017 to the investigative tip line at: (303) 239-4243.
To those who have respected our privacy and will continue to respect our privacy as we mourn, we are grateful. In the coming days, we will have arrangements for a celebration of life for Maggie and will make announcements as those plans are finalized.
Thank you everyone for sharing your strength and kind thoughts with us,
The Long Family"
Long was a student at Platte Canyon High School.
Her friends say the 17-year-old embodied school spirit. She got straight A's and was also on the speech and debate teams.
