Springville High softball team honors teen shot in murder-suicide scenario
May 20, 2022, 6:39 AM | Updated: Jun 22, 2022, 2:06 pm
SPRINGVILLE, Utah — The Springville High School softball team paid its own respects on Thursday to a teen who police said was shot by an ex in a murder-suicide scenario the night before.
Detectives said 17-year-old Lily Conroy is not expected to survive after being found alongside the deceased 19-year-old suspected shooter inside a car at Hobble Creek Park Wednesday night.
Earlier Thursday, the team posted on Facebook that it was playing its super regional game against Box Elder High for Lily.
“Lily was a member of the Springville Softball team during the 2020 and 2021 seasons,” the post stated. “Her smile and positive attitude were contagious. She will be missed. Sending all the good thoughts, vibes, and prayers to her family and friends during this difficult time. We love you Lily!”
Before the game, teammates adorned the fences with blue ribbons, noting blue was Lily’s favorite color as well as her eye color. They also tied ribbons to their uniforms in memory of Lily.
“(It was) definitely really heartbreaking,” said senior Saige Ewing, who had played softball and volleyball in past years with Conroy. “We said, ‘Today, we’ll play for Lily,’ and so that’s going to be our motto the whole rest of the year.”
Ewing remembered Lily’s creativity, sense of style and positivity.
“She always came with a happy attitude when she came to practice and that was really fun,” Ewing said. “She was really nice.”
Nebo School District spokesperson Lana Hiskey said grief counselors were utilized “very heavily” Thursday at the high school by both students and faculty.
“It was such a tragic day,” Hiskey said.
Hiskey said students dressed up in their best for the school day in another showing of support for the teen.
She said the district would continue to offer support to those who needed it.
“We do have resources available so if (parents) see any distress in their children going forward — even though we have graduation next week — we will have counselors and people available so they can be a resource to our families,” Hiskey said. “Parents, take time to visit with your children and take that time with them so that you can be there to help and support them during this grieving period.”
Following the team’s 11-4 victory, some said, ‘for Lily,’ as they walked off the field.
Ewing said what happened has encouraged her and others to be open to those around them.
“Just be kind to one another,” Ewing said. “You don’t know what people are going through, especially in this situation.”
A GoFundMe* page has been set up to help the Conroy family with medical bills and funeral expenses.
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
