Latest news with #PandoraKjolsrud
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 Teens Shot Dead on National Park Camping Trip
Authorities in Arizona are in the middle of a mysterious case involving two teens who were found shot to death on a popular national park camping site. According to multiple reports, 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and an unidentified 17-year-old male were found dead on May 27 off State Route 87 at Tonto National Forest. "At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious," the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said Friday in a statement. As Fox 10 in Phoenix reported, the two teens left for a Memorial Day weekend camping trip, but they never returned. Friends and family have since set up a memorial overlooking a valley on the famed Camelback Mountain. It's reported that the two teens often visited the spot with friends to watch the this moment the MCSO is asking anyone with information to call them at 602-876-TIPS. At 2.9 million acres, Tonto National Forest is the largest of six national parks in Arizona. The park is famous for its hiking trails, Sonoran Desert Saguaro cacti, camp sites and expansive bike trails. These national parks are popular, especially this time a year. The teen's deaths come just days after authorities at another popular park, California's Sequoia National Park, continues searching for a woman who was swept away in a river following a trip with friends and family also on Memorial Day weekend. 2 Teens Shot Dead on National Park Camping Trip first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 3, 2025
New York Times
2 days ago
- General
- New York Times
Police Seek Answers in Fatal Shooting of Teen Campers in Arizona National Forest
Nearly a week after two teenagers were found fatally shot in what police believed to be homicides at a remote camping spot in Arizona, it was still not clear what had led to their deaths, deputies said on Monday. The teenagers — Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17 — were high school friends who just finished the 11th grade and had gone camping at Tonto National Forest after the end of the school year, according to relatives. On May 27, deputies in Maricopa County responding to a call found their bodies off State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, Ariz., the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the medical examiner's office said on Monday. They 'lost their lives due to gunshot wounds,' a statement from the sheriff's office said. 'At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious,' the statement said, adding that they were treating the killings as homicides. Medical examiner's records said that Ms. Kjolsrud and Mr. Clark had died on May 26. There were no further details. A spokesman for the sheriff's office, Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez, said in an email on Monday that the bodies were found near Mount Ord, a mountain in Tonto National Forest on the northeastern edge of the county. People camp in the wilderness in that area because there are no developed campgrounds. There was no further information on Monday as the homicide investigation continued, a separate statement from the sheriff's office said. Simone Kjolsrud said in a brief telephone conversation that her daughter had been a student at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. A representative for the family said in a statement that Pandora loved camping and being outdoors and that they were 'heartbroken' by her loss. Sandra Sweeney, Evan's mother, said in a phone call on Monday that her son had left for to the remote area on May 25 at the start of summer break at Arcadia High School. She added that after she did not hear from him for several days, she drove up to the mountain to search. 'I decided to go to the location where my son was, drove to the top and saw nothing,' she said. She learned on Tuesday that he had died, she said. Ms. Sweeney said she and her son were close. In his last letter to her on Mother's Day, he wrote: 'You are the best mother and I'm forever in debt and grateful to you.'
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark Deaths: What We Know as Teens Found Shot
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A murder investigation is underway after two teenagers were found dead with gunshot wounds in a remote section of central Arizona forest. The bodies of 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, 17, were discovered in the Tonto National Forest near Mount Ord on May 27, although the story did not hit the news until Friday when police released further details. The teenagers attended Arcadia High School in Phoenix, around 64 miles to the southwest of the forest. The pair are thought to have died last Monday, and Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office reportedly listed both deaths as homicides. Sergeant Joaquin Enriquez, of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), has confirmed that police are investigating the "suspicious" deaths. Newsweek has reached out to the sheriff's office for further information and comment. The Tonto National Forest outside of Superior, Arizona. The Tonto National Forest outside of Superior, Arizona. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images Why It Matters Relatives and friends of the pair have been left reeling by the grim discovery, with both families paying tribute to the teenagers as they set up separate fundraisers to help finance their funerals. Kjolsrud was described as "a vivacious personality with an infectious smile that brought joy to so many." She was a talented musician who "enjoyed playing violin, cello and guitar," the GoFundMe page set up for her family said. Clark was described on a separate GoFundMe site as "funny, bright, kind and entrepreneurial," by his mother Sandra Malibu Sweeney. He had several passions including "going to concerts, photography, cars and trips to Malibu, CA," she said, adding that he "was on his way to becoming a wonderful man." What To Know The teenagers had set off for a Memorial Day weekend camping trip, but never came home, according to local news station Fox 10 Phoenix. Their bodies were found off State Route 87, which runs from Phoenix to Payson, north of Tonto forest, last Tuesday, with Enriquez releasing a brief statement to Fox 10 Phoenix on Friday, saying: "At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious." He did not reveal further information about the crime or the investigation, which has sparked fear among Arizona's hiking community, according to the New York Post. Friends of the pair have now set up a memorial at a viewing spot on Camelback Mountain, where the group would often visit to watch the sunset together. What People Are Saying In a statement to Newsweek, the sheriff's office said: "The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is actively working this case, which involves two victims who tragically lost their lives due to gunshot wounds… "MCSO is seeking the community's assistance. 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." Iara Rosales, who worked with Evan Clark, told Fox 10: "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." What Happens Next The fundraisers for the teenagers remain active, with both nearing their targets; a $30,000 goal for Kjolsrud's funeral expenses and $25,000 to help Clark's family. Both accounts have so far received around $22,000 in donations. In the meantime, the investigation into the deaths continues and anyone with information is urged to call Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at 602-876-TIPS.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Arizona's Maricopa County investigates possible homicide of two teenagers found shot in Tonto National Forest
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona is investigating the deaths of Pandora Kjolsrud , 18, and Evan Clark , 17, as a possible homicide after their bodies were discovered on Tuesday morning in a remote area of Mount Ord in the Tonto National Forest, between Mesa and Payson. The teens, Arcadia High School students, were found shot dead, prompting an investigation by the Sheriff's Office, who are asking for any information from the public to bring justice for the victims and their families. Officials are thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of a homicide investigation . The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with law enforcement partners. They are asking for patience and respect for the investigative process as they work through the facts. "At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious," stated Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez. Arcadia High School students dead A representative for Kjolsrud told KNXV the family is "heartbroken to confirm the tragic loss of our beloved Pandora, whose life was taken from us far too soon." Kjolsrud's mother said her daughter was a "bright light in this world who loved every single person she met and had an unusual ability to make every person she met feel special and loved." Live Events "She was a friend to many and a beloved daughter. She lived life in a big way and was always up for an adventure," her mother said. The two teens were students at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, Arizona. The school is providing a team of psychologists and counselors on campus to offer support and resources for students. No suspect information has been released. 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.
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
