The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two Valley teenagers earlier this week, who were found in a remote area northeast of the Phoenix metro area.
Deputies were first called to the scene off State Route 87, between Mesa and Payson, early Tuesday morning.
Sources tell ABC15 the incident occurred at a campsite near Mount Ord, which is located in the Tonto National Forest.
Officials identified the victims as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and an unnamed 17-year-old. At a memorial for the teens, friends and family identified the 17-year-old to ABC15 as Evan Clark.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner lists the deaths as “homicides.”
On Friday, MCSO said the teens had died from gunshot wounds. They add that their deaths are being treated as suspicious.
"At this time, our focus is on conducting a comprehensive and meticulous investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones," MCSO said. "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."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.
Arcadia High School sent out a letter to families saying two of its students had lost their lives and that MCSO was investigating the deaths. The school did not identify the victims by name or provide further details on their deaths. The principal of Arcadia High said they will be offering counseling and support services to those in need.
ABC15 spoke with Kjolsrud's mother on Thursday, who shared a loving message about her daughter. "She 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. She was a friend to many and a beloved daughter. 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. This is a recent photo of her hiking on Camelback Mountain.”
ABC15 also obtained a statement from the Kjolsrud family, below:
"On behalf of the Kjolsrud family, we are heartbroken to confirm the tragic loss of our beloved Pandora, whose life was taken from us far too soon.
The family is working closely with law enforcement and have full faith that justice will be served. We ask that anyone with information come forward and support the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office investigation in any way possible. Information can be shared through the MCSO tip line, 602-876-TIPS.
During this incredibly difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy for the family as they grieve and navigate this unbearable loss. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Leonard
Representative for the Kjolsrud Family"
The Kjolsrud family has a GoFundMe in place to raise money for Pandora's funeral expenses.
Sandra Sweeney, the mother of Evan Clark, sent the following statement to ABC15 Saturday:
I am Sandra Malibu Sweeney and 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. 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.
Evan enjoyed working at Crumbl Cookies, going to concerts, photography, cars and trips to Malibu, CA. Evan attended Rancho Solano where he was a popular student and enjoyed wonderful faculty and friends. He then attended Veritas Prep where he made additional strong friendships and played on the football team. Evan spent his final school year at Arcadia High School where he flourished socially.
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. The kindness I have been shown has touched me greatly. Thank you all.
“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.”
Sweeney's friends have also set up a GoFundMe to help her honor Evan.
