2 Arizona Teens Found Dead from 'Gunshot Wounds' amid Reported Memorial Day Weekend Camping Trip, Prompting Investigation
The teens — identified as 17-year-old Evan Clark and 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud — were found in the area of Mount Ord, which is located between the cities of Mesa and Payson, on Tuesday, May 27
Authorities are treating the deaths as "suspicious" and have launched a homicide investigationTwo teenagers were found dead in a remote area of Arizona earlier this week, and authorities are now investigating their deaths as a possible homicide.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) said 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and a 17-year-old boy were found dead from gunshot wounds early on Tuesday, May 27, in the area of Mount Ord, according to Fox affiliate KSAZ-TV and ABC affiliate KNXV-TV. While authorities did not reveal the name of the boy, friends have since identified him as Evan Clark, according to both outlets. Per AZFamily, the sheriff's office has launched a homicide investigation.
In a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, June 1, an MCSO spokesperson said the office was "actively working this case," which involves "two victims who tragically lost their lives due to gunshot wounds."
"MCSO is seeking the community's assistance," the statement continued. "If you have any information — no matter how small — that may be relevant to this case, we strongly encourage you to come forward. Your help could be critical in bringing answers and justice to the victims and their families. You may remain anonymous."
Urging anyone with information to contact the MCSO Tip Line at 602-876-TIPS, the sheriff's office added: "We thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our community."
Per ABC News, the MCSO initially responded to a call in the area of Mount Ord, which is located between the cities of Mesa and Payson, before locating the "two deceased individuals." The teens went on a Memorial Day weekend camping trip at the Tonto National Forest and did not return, according to KSAZ.
Friends of the pair have since set up a memorial overlooking Camelback Mountain, where the two would often watch the sunset with friends, KSAZ reported.
Kylie Whattim, a coworker of one of the victims, called the news "shocking," while Clark's coworker Iara Rosales said the teen's life was "cut very short."
"And so was Pandora's," she told KSAZ. "They were very young, and it was just so sudden and a tragedy that you wouldn't even imagine."
GoFundMe campaigns have since been established for the families of both Kjolsrud and Clark. Kjolsrud's loved ones described her as someone with "a vivacious personality" and "an infectious smile that brought joy to so many," while Clark's fundraiser featured a message from his mother, Sandra Malibu Sweeney, who remembered him as "funny, bright, kind and entrepreneurial."
Kjolsrud was a musician who played violin, cello and guitar, per her fundraiser. She was also a lover of the outdoors who enjoyed camping, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking. She "never failed to stop and greet any dog she passed on her hikes and neighborhood walks," the GoFundMe description said.
Kjolsrud's mother told KNXV that her daughter "had an unusual ability to make every person she met feel special and loved."
"She was a friend to many and a beloved daughter," the mom said. "She lived life in a big way and was always up for an adventure. She loved hiking and camping, and her favorite place on earth was Camelback Mountain."
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In another statement to the outlet, a representative for the teen's wider family asked for privacy, thanked the community for its support and revealed they were working closely with law enforcement and had "full faith that justice will be served."
"This fundraiser is being organized to allow Pandora's family to grieve the unimaginable loss of their daughter without the worry of financial burden," Kjolsrud's GoFundMe description said. "All funds raised will be deposited directly into an account accessible only by Pandora's mother and father, ensuring that every contribution goes to supporting them during this incredibly difficult time. While funeral services will be private, the family plans to hold a community celebration of life in the coming months so that all who loved Pandora can gather to honor her memory."
Clark's mother described her late son as her only child who was "on his way to becoming a wonderful man."
"Evan wrote me letters, the last of which he gave me on Mother's Day that was so touching it made me both laugh and cry. He was special. He deserved a long life," Sweeney wrote.
Clark, who worked at Crumbl Cookies, enjoyed concerts, photography, cars and taking trips to Malibu, Calif., his mother wrote. She added that he "flourished socially" during his final school year at Arcadia High School (AHS).
According to KNXV, AHS sent a letter to families confirming that two students had died and that the sheriff's office was investigating. The school will be offering counseling and support services.
"The outpouring of concern from these communities has meant so very much to me," Clark's mother wrote. "I sincerely thank every person who has reached out to offer compassion and sympathy. The kindness I have been shown has touched me greatly. Thank you all."
She concluded her GoFundMe description with a quote: 'Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present, and cross to the far shore. With the mind and body liberated, you shall suffer no more.'
The fundraisers for Clark and Kjolsrud have since raised nearly $15,000 and nearly $18,000, respectively.
The MCSO said in a statement to ABC News that it is now focused on "conducting a comprehensive and meticulous investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones."
"We are coordinating closely with our law enforcement partners and ask for patience and respect for the investigative process as we work through the facts," the sheriff's office added.
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