'Amazing' Jessica Lloyd remembered by family and friends

Jessica Lloyd was remembered Monday as an easygoing, fun-loving young woman whose death has shocked friends and strangers alike.

"She had an amazing personality and cared very much for her friends and family," said Carrie Beatty, who said she worked with Lloyd for more than a year.

"She was an easygoing person and was fun to be around. She had an amazing personality and cared very much for her friends and family. They were No. 1," Beatty said.

"She will truly be missed by anyone who knew her and for those who came to know her these past 11 days."

Lloyd was last heard from on Jan. 28 when a friend received a text message.

The community threw itself into the effort to find Lloyd.

For example, 2 Xtreme Graphics in the nearby community of Belleville, Ont., donated oversized posters with her description and picture that were hung from tractor-trailers alongside Highway 401 between Belleville and Kingston, Ont. Thousands of passing motorists would have been hard-pressed not to notice her green eyes, shoulder length brown hair and smile. She also had a an intricate tattoo across the small of her back.

The company also supplied more than 12,000 decals for cars and storefronts with Lloyd's picture. Manager Percy Watson said some people, unaware that Lloyd had been found, came into the shop Monday, asking for decals. "I said, 'You haven't heard obviously.' As soon as I said that, they knew right away. I said, 'They found her.' "

Posters were put up across a swatch of southern Ontario and a Facebook site was set up.

Steve Wowk, manager of the Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, declined to comment Monday. "We send our deepest sympathies out to her family, but we're not going to comment. We've just chosen not to do that. My staff and I have decided that we're thinking of her family and do not want to comment."

Tracie Rigby, a mother of three living in Trenton, Ont., had been following the search for Lloyd online.

"Even though you don't know that person, you pray that they're going to come back safe," Rigby said. "It's sad to think that it ended the way it did. And then to find out that it was a supposedly respectful person in our community . . . I have a daughter. I just can't imagine what her (Lloyd's) family is going through."

Lloyd's brother, Andy, asked for privacy. "I'm speaking for the family, but we're done talking," he said, when reached Monday afternoon.

"As (police) said in that news conference this morning, we wish that you guys (media) respect our privacy please. All I can do is stress that I cannot comment."

In a statement read by Belleville police Chief Cory McMullan, Andy and Lloyd's mother Roxanne thanked family, friends and co-workers for their "unwavering love and support over the past 11 days.

"Thanks to everyone who helped search for Jessica and to those who created and printed the banners, posters and flyers, and to all family and friends who distributed them. Thanks to the many companies who assisted in making sure Jessica's picture was everywhere," the statement read.

Vince Hawkes, the deputy commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, said Lloyd's disappearance has been stressful for the community.

"I know that this community has been placed on a heightened state of caution for several weeks and we are pleased that the public safety has been served in this case," he said Monday.

— With files from Global News