Community Comes Together to Remember Taylor Hendershot
- Nathan Springfield
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Taylor Hendershot was a mom to Waylon and a friend to many.
Her father, Jeff Hendershot, said Taylor played sports in high school, had an unforgettable laugh, and loved art.
“She could take a little piece of paper and a pencil and draw out a masterpiece.”
Taylor also had a love for music, often sending songs to her dad.
Jeff shared a memory of him and Taylor that he says he cherishes.
“Just recently she talked me into going to the Jelly Roll and Post Malone concert with her in St. Louis, and I am so glad we did that.”
Taylor was killed on August 5 in Vincennes.
Dylan Smith, a man Taylor used to be in a long-term relationship with, was arrested and charged in connection with her death following a standoff with police.
Since that day, the community has rallied around Taylor’s family, ensuring they feel supported and that her memory lives on.
A candlelight vigil was held Friday night, where more than 250 people gathered to pray, sing, and honor her life.
A memorial filled with flowers, balloons, and handwritten messages has grown at the site where she passed away.
Jeff said the support has he and his family has received has been unbelievable.
“It seems like the entire community has come out and supported Taylor and Waylon.”
People have been cooking meals, donating money, and even setting up playdates for Waylon.
Jeff told WAKC News Now that out of all the kind gestures, one stands out.
“One of the last things Taylor did before she passed was she got Waylon signed up for preschool,” said Jeff.
“We got notice that his [Waylon] entire tuition has been covered for the 2025/2026 school year; so that brought some tears to my eyes.”
Seeing the love and support from family, friends, and neighbors, Jeff said he knows Taylor would be grateful.
“She’d be head over heels for some of the things her friends have done for her.”
Surrounded by candles, prayers, and love for Taylor, Jeff said his family feels blessed.
“We can’t say thank you enough. From the bottom of my heart, me, Taylor’s mom Stacey, my wife Gara, Shane… we can’t say thank you enough.”
He went on to thank people at the site of the incident, the churches, her old schoolmates, and teammates.
“Thank you and God bless.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Waylon’s future, with over $21,000 raised so far.
Donations can be made here.
T-shirts are being sold in memory of Taylor and to raise awareness about domestic violence, with proceeds going directly to Waylon.
T-shirts can be purchased through this website.
A benefit ride honoring Taylor and raising awareness about domestic violence will take place on Sunday, August 24, starting at 9:45 a.m.
Details on the event can be found here.
