Latest news with #MountOrd
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 Arizona Teens Found Dead from 'Gunshot Wounds' amid Reported Memorial Day Weekend Camping Trip, Prompting Investigation
Two Arizona teenagers were found dead with gunshot wounds in a remote location after leaving for a reported Memorial Day weekend camping trip 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." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 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. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 Arizona Teens Found Dead from 'Gunshot Wounds' amid Reported Memorial Day Weekend Camping Trip, Prompting Investigation
Two Arizona teenagers were found dead with gunshot wounds in a remote location after leaving for a reported Memorial Day weekend camping trip 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." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 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. Read the original article on People
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Teens Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, found dead in Arizona forest with gunshot wounds as cops probe deaths
TWO teenagers have been found shot dead in an Arizona national forest less than a week into their summer vacation. Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, were found in Tonto National Forest near Mount Ord on May 27. 2 2 Both deaths, which were listed to May 26, have been listed as homicides by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. Cops are treating the circumstances around the pair's death as "suspicious", with Maricopa County Sheriff's Office revealing they suffered gunshot wounds. Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said: "At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious." Both deaths, which were listed to May 26, have been listed as homicides by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. The deceased duo were friends who went to Arcadia High School in Phoenix. Their friends have made makeshift memorial near Mount Ord - a spot where the pair would often watch the sunset - according to Fox 10 Phoenix. Evan's coworker Iara Rosales said: "You just cherish all the memories and the laughs. "His life was cut very short, and so was Pandora's. "They were very young, and it was just so sudden and a tragedy that you wouldn't even imagine." Fundraisers have been set up to help pay for the two teens' funerals. Kathryn Leonard, who has organised a GoFundMe for Pandora's funeral, wrote: "She had a vivacious personality with an infectious smile that brought joy to so many. "She was a beautiful human being and a bright light in this world who loved every single person she met and had a unique ability to make every person feel special. "She loved music in all of its forms and enjoyed playing violin, cello and guitar. "The outdoors is where she truly felt at home. She loved camping, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking with friends and family. Evan's mother Sandra Malibu Sweeney said: "Evan Clark was my only child and my beloved son. "This last week Evan was taken from me, and my level of grief feels insurmountable. "I find myself at a complete loss to imagine a life without him. "It is a small comfort to share some things about this boy who was on his way to becoming a wonderful man." The tragic deaths have sparked concern in the area's hiking community. "If there's something going on in the area. I'm here with my child. I'd like to know if we're safe," one community member told Fox 10 Phoenix. Another said: "Obviously respecting the people's families and not get into those personal details, but I would want to know how we can all be safe."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Community concerned after 2 Arcadia High School students were shot near Mount Ord
The Brief Two Arcadia High School students, Pandora Jewels-Rude and Evan Clark, were found shot to death in the Tonto National Forest. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the murders, which occurred during a camping trip near Mount Ord. Authorities have not stated if there is a threat to public safety, raising concerns within the Arcadia community. PHOENIX - New developments have emerged after two Valley teens were found dead following a weekend camping trip. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office now says the two teens were shot to death, and the community is responding to the murders. What we know Arcadia High School teenagers, 18-year-old Pandora Jewels-Rude and 17-year-old Evan Clark, were found shot to death in the Tonto National Forest on the morning of May 27. "At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious," stated Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez. What they're saying "Who? Why? What? When?" asked one community member. "Tragic thing that happened, obviously. We got to find out who did it. That's the main thing." The Arcadia community is searching for answers after Pandora Jewels-Rude and Evan Clark were found dead near Mount Ord in the Tonto National Forest. Five days into summer break, the two victims were found shot to death. "It's really scary that it's just so close to home and then their family. That's the next thing you think about. It's like, what are they going through? What happened to them? Are they going to get answers?" a community member asked. "It's shocking and really sad," another said. "It's unbelievable. Very distressing. Very distressing, because they're so young, their lives haven't even begun yet," a third added. Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies are now "conducting a comprehensive and meticulous investigation." FOX 10 has asked the Sheriff's Office if there is a concern for public safety in that area. They could not answer, saying it interferes with the investigation. "If there's something going on in the area. I'm here with my child. I'd like to know if we're safe," a community member stated. "I'm really concerned, very concerned," another said. "Obviously respecting the people's families and not get into those personal details, but I would want to know how we can all be safe," a resident commented. "It really makes me worry because I have nieces and nephews that age that something could happen to them," another person said. What we don't know No suspect information has been released. What you can do The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is asking people to come forward with any information, no matter how small, hoping they can bring answers and justice to these victims and their families. If anyone was near Mount Ord in the Tonto National Forest over Memorial Day weekend, you are asked to call MCSO at 602-876-TIPS, where you can remain anonymous.
