Taylor Hoover served in the Marines for 11 years. He was known as “One heck of a leader” to those who served with him. He was born in Arkansas but was raised in Utah, having attended and graduated from Hillcrest High School in Midvale in 2008. He was a leader who loved his family dearly.
Family and friends poured out on social media across the country. According to his father, Darin Hoover, he had two sisters with whom he was best friends and also left behind his girlfriend in California. He “lit up a room,” said his father.
A childhood friend since the age of 10, Nate Thompson of Murray, Utah, described Sgt. Hoover as “a selfless and kind friend”. They played Little League football together. As a lineman in high school, Thompson said Hoover was “undersized for the position but his work ethic and determination made up for it”. It wasn’t just on the field where he helped. Per Thompson, Hoover was always available to help with grades and family. “He’s always level-headed, even if he’s struggling himself.”
His cousin, Savannah Castle, remembered him as having “a big heart, and always wanted what was best for his family and his country,” while his aunt, Brittany Jones Barnett, called him their “sweet nephew”, saying he “always (had) a smile” and was “a joy to be around.”
“The world has lost a true light,” she wrote.
“He lit up a room.”
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Photos courtesy of:
1st Marine division, Camp Pendleton, USMC, AP and KUTV
