Two Arizona teenagers were discovered dead in a remote part of the Tonto National Forest just days into their summer break.
On the morning of May 27, deputies responded to a call off State Route 87 near Mount Ord, located northeast of the Phoenix metro area.
There, they found the bodies of 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both of whom had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed both deaths as homicides, listing May 26 as the date of death.
In a statement released on Friday, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office added: “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.”
Both teens were students at Arcadia High School in Phoenix - located roughly 64 miles from the national forest.
Following the tragedy, the school sent a letter to families acknowledging the loss of two students and noted that counseling services would be available.
Loved ones later gathered near Mount Ord to build a makeshift memorial at the spot where the teens often went to watch the sunset.
“You just cherish all the memories and the laughs,” said Iara Rosales, a coworker of Clark. “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.”
Kjolsrud was remembered by her mother, Simone Kjolsrud, in a heartbreaking Facebook post: “My heart is shattered in a million pieces. Rest in peace my beautiful girl.”
Family friend Kathryn Leonard wrote on GoFundMe, “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."
"The outdoors is where she truly felt at home. She loved camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking with friends and family," they continued. "Animals adored Pandora, and she 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.
"She was a friend to so many and a beloved daughter."
Sandra Malibu Sweeney, Clark’s mother, penned an emotional tribute for her son on GoFundMe.
“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.”
“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.”
Sweeney shared that her son enjoyed working at Crumbl Cookies, photography, concerts, cars, and family trips to Malibu, California.
“The outpouring of concern from these communities has meant so very much to me. I sincerely thank every person who has reached out to offer compassion and sympathy,” she added.
Authorities are urging anyone with more information to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office at 602-876-TIPS.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.