A sense of shock and sorrow is rippling through the Phoenix community after two teenagers were found dead in a remote area outside the city, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the grim discovery was made on the morning of Tuesday, May 28, near Mount Ord in the Tonto National Forest, just off State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson.
The victims have been identified as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and a 17-year-old male, whom family and friends have named as Evan Clark. Both teens were reportedly found at what appeared to be a campsite in the heavily wooded and rugged terrain of the national forest.
Investigators have remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but the Maricopa County Medical Examiner has officially listed both deaths as homicides.
The news has sent ripples of grief and disbelief through the Arcadia High School community, where both teens were students. In a letter sent to families, the school confirmed the loss of two of its students but did not release their names, citing respect for the families’ privacy.
Counselors and crisis response teams have been made available to support grieving students and staff in the days ahead. Pandora Kjolsrud’s mother shared heartfelt words with ABC15, painting a vivid picture of a young woman who lived life with purpose, joy, and deep compassion.
“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,” her mother said.
“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.”
That love for nature and adventure makes the location of her passing all the more poignant. Known for its scenic beauty and popularity among hikers and campers, the area around Mount Ord has also drawn attention in recent years for its isolation—a feature that may now become key in the investigation.
Friends of Evan Clark describe him as a kind, thoughtful young man who had a quiet strength and a warm heart. Though not as much has been publicly shared about him, loved ones say he was known for his calm demeanor, sense of humor, and strong friendships.
His presence will be deeply missed among his peers, many of whom have taken to social media to share their grief and pay tribute to his life. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released information regarding possible suspects or motives.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that may help piece together what happened in the remote campsite. They have asked that anyone who may have seen or spoken with the teens in the days leading up to their deaths come forward.
As investigators work to uncover the truth behind this tragedy, the loss of Pandora and Evan has left two families shattered and a school community grieving. Vigils and memorials are already being planned by friends and classmates hoping to honor the memory of two young lives lost too soon.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have promised to pursue justice for both teens. As the community mourns, many are holding on to memories of Pandora’s radiant energy and Evan’s quiet kindness—two young souls who, in different but equally meaningful ways, touched the lives of those around them.
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