In Loving Memory of Lawrence Boyd IV
The community of Traverse City is mourning the tragic loss of 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, a dedicated Parking Services employee whose life was cut short in a heartbreaking act of violence Sunday. Boyd was found deceased from an apparent shooting inside the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, a place he worked each day with commitment and quiet responsibility. His death has left coworkers, friends, and the city at large shaken and grieving.
According to the Traverse City Police Department, Boyd’s killing is believed to be tied to a separate and deeply troubling incident that unfolded over the weekend. In that case, two teenagers were arrested after an auto larceny and a subsequent police chase—during which one of the teens reportedly fired shots at officers. Authorities now suspect a connection between the violent escalation in that incident and the tragic loss of Boyd’s life. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the weight of this senseless act.
The Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck, now transformed into the scene of a sorrowful crime, remains closed until Monday as investigators carefully work to piece together what happened. This temporary closure, though necessary, underscores the profound impact the incident has had on daily operations and the many people who work in or pass through the facility. Yet the deeper, more lasting closure is the one felt in the hearts of those who knew Lawrence—colleagues who shared shifts with him, supervisors who relied on him, and community members who appreciated his steady presence.
Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette described the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” offering condolences to Boyd’s family and expressing gratitude to the Traverse City Police Department for their quick actions, which he said likely “stopped more horrible things from happening.” His words capture both the sorrow of this moment and the recognition that violence, if unchecked, can ripple outward in devastating ways.
While the investigation continues, the focus for many is on remembering the man at the center of this tragedy. Those who worked with Lawrence speak of him as a reliable, hardworking employee—someone who showed up each day to do a job that often goes unnoticed, yet is essential to the functioning of the city. His life, cut short at only 32, was filled with potential, routine, and human worth. Behind his uniform was a person with dreams, relationships, pride in his work, and a life that mattered deeply.
The loss of Lawrence Boyd IV is not just another line in a police report—it is the end of someone’s son, coworker, friend, and community member. As Traverse City mourns, it also reflects on the delicate threads that connect individuals within a community and the profound wounds left when violence severs those threads. This tragedy underscores the need for continued support for public safety, for youth intervention, and for compassion toward those affected by crime.
In loving memory of Lawrence, may his family find strength in the days ahead, and may the community continue to hold space for healing, unity, and accountability. His life deserves to be honored fully, with the recognition that he was more than the circumstances of his death.
Rest in peace, Lawrence Boyd IV. Your presence will be deeply missed, and your memory will not be forgotten.
