Tragedy in the Wilderness: Two Teens Found Dead in Remote National Forest

The remains of two young adults were found in a secluded area of a forest in Arizona, showing signs of ‘gunshot wounds’.

On Tuesday (May 27), authorities discovered the remains of 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both from Arizona, in a remote woodland area, exhibiting visible gunshot wounds.

Currently, an investigation is in progress, with law enforcement stating in a release that the circumstances of their deaths are being regarded as ‘suspicious’.

Here is what we know about the situation as of now.

What transpired with Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark?

As reported by The New York Times, Kjolsrud and Clark were friends from high school who embarked on a Memorial Day weekend getaway to commemorate the end of their 11th-grade year.

Maricopa County law enforcement responded to reports of their remains being located in the Tonto National Forest near Mount Ord last Tuesday, just off State Route 87, which connects Phoenix to Payson.

This area is recognized as one of the largest national forests in the United States, covering nearly three million acres.

Mount Ord, situated in Tonto National Forest on the northeastern perimeter of the county, is famous for its extensive wilderness, which attracts many hikers.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner determined the date of death for the two young adults as Monday (May 26), but no further details were shared.

What have authorities stated?

A release from the sheriff’s department to The New York Times indicated that the young adults ‘lost their lives due to gunshot wounds’ and that their deaths are being investigated as a potential homicide.

“Currently, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious,” the release added.

Additionally, a different statement from the sheriff’s department confirmed that no further details were available as the homicide investigation is ongoing.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also stated in a statement to ABC 15 Arizona: “Currently, our focus is on conducting a thorough and detailed investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”

“We are closely collaborating with our law enforcement partners and request patience and respect for the investigative process as we navigate the facts.”

According to ABC 15 Arizona, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has since classified both deaths as homicides.

What have the families expressed?

The families of both young adults have shared their grief in statements after their deaths. Pandora’s mother, Simone Kjolsrud, expressed that they were ‘heartbroken’ in a statement to ABC 15 Arizona, adding that they were ‘working closely with law enforcement and have complete trust that justice will be achieved’.

A GoFundMe campaign created to assist with Pandora’s funeral costs describes her as a gifted musician with a ‘vibrant personality and an infectious smile.’

She had a deep love for animals and shared a ‘unique bond with her two small dogs, and she always took the time to greet any dog she encountered on her hikes and neighborhood strolls,’ the campaign added.

“She was a wonderful person and a shining light in this world who cherished everyone she met and had a remarkable ability to make each person feel valued,” it further stated. “She enjoyed camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking with friends and family.”

On the other hand, Evan’s mother, Sandra Sweeney, shared in a statement on a GoFundMe page: “This past week, Evan was taken from me, and the depth of my grief is overwhelming.

“I am at a complete loss to envision a life without him. It is a small comfort to share a few details about this young man who was on the path to becoming a remarkable person.

“Evan was not an ordinary teenager. He was humorous, intelligent, kind, and had an entrepreneurial spirit. He had an old soul, being both sensitive and loving. Evan wrote me letters, the last of which he gifted me on Mother’s Day; it was so poignant that it made me both laugh and cry. He was one of a kind. He deserved a long and fulfilling life.”

She also shared that he enjoyed working at Crumbl Cookies, attending concerts, photography, cars, and trips to Malibu, and had become a well-liked student with ‘great friends’.

Ms. Sweeney expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received after the loss of ‘my only child and cherished 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 added that when she had not heard from Evan, she took it upon herself to search for him on the mountain.

“I made the decision to go to the area where my son was, drove to the summit, and found nothing,” she shared, noting that she learned of her son’s death on Tuesday.

If you are experiencing grief and wish to speak with someone in confidence, please reach out to GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email info@grievewell.com.