Two teenagers from Arizona tragically lost their lives during what was meant to be a peaceful Memorial Day weekend camping trip in the Tonto National Forest. Authorities have confirmed that the deaths are being treated as suspicious, as both teens were found with gunshot wounds in a remote area near Mount Ord, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix.

The victims were identified as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark, both students at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. According to officials, the pair had gone camping on May 25, just three days after finishing their 11th-grade year. What should have been a celebratory outing turned into a devastating tragedy.

Family members became alarmed when they couldn’t reach Pandora or Evan during the weekend. Their growing concern prompted a search, which ended in heartbreak when sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies on Tuesday morning, May 27.

Sandra Malibu Sweeney, Evan’s mother, recalled in a phone interview with deep sadness the moment she tried to find her son. “I decided to go to the location where my son was, drove to the top and saw nothing,” she said, describing her frantic attempt to locate him before receiving the worst possible news.

Investigators later determined that the teens had been shot on May 26. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office released a statement indicating that foul play is strongly suspected, and the case is being pursued as a double homicide. “At this time, the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being treated as suspicious,” the statement read, with authorities emphasizing that all leads are being thoroughly investigated.

The community has rallied around the grieving families, setting up GoFundMe campaigns to assist with funeral expenses and to honor the lives of these two young people. Evan’s GoFundMe page features a deeply emotional message from his mother, Sandra, who described her son as her entire world. “This last week Evan was taken from me, and my level of grief feels insurmountable,” she wrote. “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.”

She went on to describe Evan as a rare kind of teenager—bright, thoughtful, and full of ambition. “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.”

On Pandora’s GoFundMe page, her family and friends described a young woman full of life and compassion. “Pandora Kjolsrud was just 18 years old when her life was violently taken on May 26th, 2025. She had a vivacious personality with an infectious smile that brought joy to so many,” the tribute reads. “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.”

Pandora’s love for animals was a defining part of her personality, and those who knew her say she had an innate gift for making others feel seen and valued. Her kindness left a mark on everyone she encountered.

Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez, a spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, shared that the bodies of Evan and Pandora were located near Mount Ord, an area known for its rugged beauty and lack of developed campgrounds. The remoteness of the location adds to the mystery and difficulty of the investigation. The area is often frequented by campers seeking solitude and connection with nature, but in this case, it became the backdrop of a heartbreaking crime.

Authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the deaths. For now, the families are left with nothing but memories, grappling with the unimaginable loss of children who were on the cusp of adulthood. Both Evan and Pandora had promising futures—filled with hopes, dreams, and the potential to make meaningful impacts on the world.

The senseless violence that cut their lives short has sent shockwaves through their school community, where classmates and teachers are mourning. Arcadia High School released a statement expressing sorrow and offering counseling services for students affected by the tragedy.

Friends have taken to social media to honor the memories of Evan and Pandora, posting photos, messages, and memories of happier times. Many have echoed the sentiment that these were not ordinary teens—they were extraordinary young people with kind hearts and bright futures.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are asking anyone who was in the Tonto National Forest area over Memorial Day weekend to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Every detail could be critical in bringing justice for Pandora and Evan.

While the community mourns, the families of the two teenagers remain surrounded by an outpouring of support. Donations on their respective GoFundMe pages continue to climb, and heartfelt messages of love and condolence pour in from across the country. Though their lives were tragically cut short, the legacies of Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark will live on through the lives they touched and the memories their loved ones now hold dear.