The quiet solitude of Arizona’s Mount Ord was shattered over Memorial Day weekend when Two Teens Found Dead with Gunshot Wounds, 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both victims identified. The two had embarked on a camping trip in the scenic wilderness of the Tonto National Forest, a getaway that tragically became their final journey.
As the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) launches a full-scale homicide investigation, the community mourns the devastating loss of two vibrant young lives, cut short under harrowing circumstances. This tragedy has sparked widespread grief and shock across Arizona, particularly in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, where both victims were well-known and deeply cherished.
What began as a long weekend trip with nature and friends has transformed into a haunting mystery that investigators are racing to solve. The pain felt by the families, friends, and communities of Pandora and Evan is overwhelming, and the demand for justice and clarity grows with each passing day.
A Camping Trip Turns Into a Nightmare
Memorial Day weekend is often a time of celebration, reflection, and outdoor exploration. For Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark, it was supposed to be just that—a peaceful excursion into the serene backcountry of Mount Ord, a part of the larger Tonto National Forest located between the cities of Mesa and Payson.
This popular recreation area is known for its expansive views, hiking trails, and remote camping sites. But the seclusion that draws so many visitors also posed serious challenges for those trying to find the missing teens.
On May 27, after the teens failed to return from their camping trip, concern began to mount. Calls were placed, search efforts intensified, and eventually, MCSO responded to a distress call from the area. Authorities soon made a grim discovery—the bodies of both teenagers, lifeless and bearing fatal gunshot wounds.
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The sheriff’s department quickly ruled the case a homicide and called on the public for any leads that could provide insight into what had taken place. “MCSO is seeking the community’s assistance,” the office said in an official statement. “If you have any information — no matter how small — that may be relevant to this case, we strongly encourage you to come forward.”
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The rugged terrain and remote location have only complicated the investigation. Detectives are exploring every angle—from the possibility of an ambush or targeted attack to accidental circumstances or involvement of known acquaintances. However, as of now, few details have been released publicly about potential suspects or motives.
Remembering Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark
In the aftermath of the heartbreaking news, the lives and legacies of Pandora and Evan have become a central focus for their grieving families and friends. Both teenagers were students, full of promise and personality, and had plans and dreams like any young people their age.
Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, was described by loved ones as vivacious, artistic, and endlessly compassionate. A talented musician, she played violin, cello, and guitar. Her passion for the outdoors was evident in her love for camping, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking. She was known to stop and greet every dog she passed during her hikes, a small gesture that underscored her kind-hearted nature.
“She had an unusual ability to make every person she met feel special and loved,” her mother told local outlet KNXV. “She was a friend to many and a beloved daughter.” Friends and family have since erected a memorial overlooking Camelback Mountain—her favorite place to watch sunsets—as a place to remember her spirit and adventurous soul.
Pandora’s GoFundMe campaign described her as someone whose “infectious smile brought joy to so many,” and emphasized how loved she was within her community. The fundraiser is intended to support her family during their time of grief and to help cover funeral expenses and future commemorative events.
Evan Clark, 17, was a student at Arcadia High School and the only child of his mother, Sandra Malibu Sweeney. In a touching tribute on his GoFundMe page, Sweeney described her son as “funny, bright, kind and entrepreneurial.” Evan worked at Crumbl Cookies, loved photography, and enjoyed going to concerts and traveling—especially to Malibu, California, a place that held a special significance for him.
In his final year at school, Evan had “flourished socially,” forming deeper friendships and building memories that those who loved him will now cling to. His mother recalled the heartfelt letters he wrote to her, including one on Mother’s Day that made her laugh and cry. “He was special. He deserved a long life,” she wrote.
The GoFundMe pages for both teens have collectively raised over $30,000, a testament to the widespread love and support they received from their community. Their deaths have not only devastated their families but also sent ripples through local schools, workplaces, and friend circles. AHS, where both teens studied, sent a letter to families confirming the tragedy and offering counseling services to help students and staff cope with the loss.
An Ongoing Investigation and a Community Demanding Justice
As the investigation into the deaths of Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark unfolds, law enforcement is appealing for public assistance to fill in the gaps. At present, officials are tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives, possibly to preserve the integrity of the investigation. The MCSO has stated that they are conducting a “comprehensive and meticulous” inquiry and are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
The community, meanwhile, is holding out hope that answers will soon be found. The families of the victims have expressed their trust in the authorities and urged the public to respect their privacy while they grieve. “We have full faith that justice will be served,” a family representative said.
While funeral services will be kept private, Pandora’s family has shared plans for a future celebration of life, inviting the broader community to come together in her memory. The outpouring of condolences, flowers, cards, and tributes at Camelback Mountain and other memorial locations speaks volumes about how deeply these two young souls were loved.
Kylie Whattim, a coworker of one of the victims, summed up the shock and sorrow many are feeling: “They were very young, and it was just so sudden and a tragedy that you wouldn’t even imagine.”
The brutality and senselessness of their deaths have left many grappling with unanswered questions. How could such a tragedy occur during what should have been a carefree holiday weekend? Was this a targeted act, or did the teens unknowingly cross paths with someone dangerous? The answers, for now, remain elusive.
But one thing is clear: Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark were more than just names in a tragic headline. They were cherished members of their families and communities, full of laughter, love, talent, and hope. The silence of Mount Ord now echoes with the collective grief of all who knew them—and the growing resolve to ensure that their memories are honored and that justice is done.