Two teenagers were discovered dead in a remote area of Arizona earlier this week, and authorities are now investigating the deaths as homicide.
Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and a 17-year-old boy were discovered dead from gunshot wounds early Tuesday, May 27, in the Mount Ord area, according to Fox affiliate KSAZ-TV and ABC affiliate KNXV-TV. While authorities did not reveal the boy’s name, friends later identified him as Evan Clark, according to both outlets. According to AZFamily, the sheriff’s office has launched a homicide investigation.
On Sunday, June 1, an MCSO spokesperson told PEOPLE that the agency was “actively working this case,” which involved “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 about this case, no matter how small, we strongly encourage you to come forward. Your assistance may be critical in providing answers and justice to the victims and their families. “You may remain anonymous.”
The sheriff’s office urged anyone with information to contact the MCSO Tip Line at 602-876-TIPS, saying, “We thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
According to ABC News, the MCSO initially responded to a call near Mount Ord, which is located between Mesa and Payson, before locating the “two deceased individuals.” According to KSAZ, the teenagers went camping at Tonto National Forest over Memorial Day weekend and did not return.
Friends of the couple have since built a memorial overlooking Camelback Mountain, where they would frequently watch the sunset with friends, according to KSAZ.
Kylie Whattim, a coworker of one of the victims, described the news as “shocking,” while Iara Rosales, Clark’s coworker, 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 launched for the families of Kjolsrud and Clark. Kjolsrud’s loved ones described her as having “a vivacious personality” and “an infectious smile that brought joy to so many,” whereas Clark’s fundraiser included a message from his mother, Sandra Malibu Sweeney, who remembered him as “funny, bright, kind, and entrepreneurial.”
Kjolsrud was a musician who played the violin, cello, and guitar, according to her fundraising page. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking. She “never failed to stop and greet any dog she passed on her hikes and neighborhood walks,” according to the GoFundMe description.
Kjolsrud’s mom 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 mother stated. “She lived life to the fullest and was always eager for new experiences. She enjoyed hiking and camping, and her favorite place on earth was Camelback Mountain.”
In another statement to the outlet, a representative for the teen’s extended family requested privacy, thanked the community for its support, and stated that 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,” according to the description on GoFundMe. “All funds raised will be deposited directly into an account accessible only to Pandora’s mother and father, ensuring that every contribution is used to help them during this extremely difficult time. While funeral services will be private, the family intends to hold a community celebration of life in the coming months so that everyone who loved Pandora can come together to honor her memory.”
Clark’s mother described her deceased 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 and was so moving that it made me laugh and cry. He was unique. Sweeney wrote: “He deserved a long life.”
Clark, who worked at Crumbl Cookies, enjoyed concerts, photography, cars, and trips to Malibu, California, according to his mother. She added that he “flourished socially” during his senior year at Arcadia High School (AHS).
According to KNXV, AHS notified families that two students had died and that the sheriff’s office was investigating. The school will provide counseling and support services.
“The outpouring of concern from these communities has meant so very much to me,” Clark’s mother wrote. “I sincerely appreciate everyone who has reached out to express compassion and sympathy. I was deeply moved by the kindness shown to me. Thank you, everyone.”
She ended her GoFundMe description with the following quote: “Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present, and cross to the far shore.” You will no longer suffer once your mind and body have been liberated.
Clark and Kjolsrud’s fundraisers have so far raised nearly $15,000 and $18,000, respectively.
The MCSO told 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,” according to the sheriff’s office.
