The bodies of two teenagers were found with gunshot wounds in a secluded area of a forest in Arizona.
The discovery was made on Tuesday (May 27), when 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both residents of Arizona, were found with what appeared to be gunshot injuries in an isolated part of the woods.
Authorities have launched an investigation, and police have officially stated that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are considered ‘suspicious.’
According to The New York Times, Kjolsrud and Clark, who were high school friends, embarked on a Memorial Day weekend trip to celebrate completing 11th grade.
Maricopa County police responded to reports of their bodies being found in the Tonto National Forest near Mount Ord on Tuesday, close to State Route 87, which stretches from Phoenix to Payson.
The Tonto National Forest is one of the U.S.’s largest national forests, covering nearly three million acres.
Mount Ord, situated within the Tonto National Forest on the northeastern border of the county, is well-known for its vast wilderness and is a favored spot for hikers.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner has recorded the teenagers’ date of death as Monday (May 26), although no further details have been released.
A statement from the sheriff’s office to The New York Times confirmed that the teenagers ‘lost their lives due to gunshot wounds,’ and their deaths are being investigated as a potential homicide.
“At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious,” the statement continued.
Additionally, a separate statement from the sheriff’s office affirmed there is no further information at present as the homicide investigation proceeds.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also stated to ABC 15 Arizona: “At this time, our focus is 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.”
ABC 15 Arizona reported that the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has categorized both deaths as homicides.
The grieving families of the teenagers have released statements following their tragic loss. Pandora’s mother, Simone Kjolsrud, expressed being ‘heartbroken’ in a statement to ABC 15 Arizona, noting that they are ‘working closely with law enforcement and have full faith that justice will be served.’
A GoFundMe created to help cover Pandora’s funeral costs highlights her as a skilled musician with a ‘vivacious personality and infectious smile.’
She was also fond of animals and had a ‘special bond with her two little dogs and never failed to stop and greet any dog she passed on her hikes and neighborhood walks,’ the post stated.
“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.” it continued. “She loved camping, horseback riding, kayaking and hiking with friends and family.”
Evan’s mother, Sandra Sweeney, shared on a GoFundMe page: “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.”
“Evan wasn’t a typical teenager. He was funny, bright, kind and entrepreneurial. He was an old soul who was sensitive and loving. 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.”
She also mentioned his enjoyment of working at Crumbl Cookies, ‘going to concerts, photography, cars and trips to Malibu,’ and how he was well-liked at school with ‘wonderful friends.’
Ms. Sweeney also expressed gratitude for the support she received following the loss of ‘my only child and beloved son.’
She concluded her statement with a Buddhist verse from the Dhammapada: “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.”
In a conversation with The New York Times, Sweeney recounted when she didn’t hear from Evan, she went to search for him on the mountain.
“I decided to go to the location where my son was, drove to the top and saw nothing,” she said, before mentioning that she learned of her son’s death on Tuesday.
For those who have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone confidentially, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].