New details have surfaced in the deaths of two Valley teens, as loved ones share personal memories and fundraisers reveal how the community is rallying behind their grieving families.
Authorities are investigating the deaths of two teenagers discovered earlier this week at a remote campsite in Arizona. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed it is conducting a homicide investigation after the bodies were found in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of the Phoenix metro area.
Deputies responded to a call early on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025. The scene was located off State Route 87, between Mesa and Payson, near Mount Ord. According to ABC15, the victims were 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and a 17-year-old male, who friends and family identified as Evan Clark.
On Friday, May 30, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner ruled both deaths as homicides caused by gunshot wounds. MCSO has stated that the deaths are being treated as suspicious.
In a statement, the agency noted, “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.”
Deputies responded to a call early on Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025. The scene was located off State Route 87, between Mesa and Payson, near Mount Ord. According to ABC15, the victims were 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and a 17-year-old male, who friends and family identified as Evan Clark.
On Friday, May 30, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner ruled both deaths as homicides caused by gunshot wounds. MCSO has stated that the deaths are being treated as suspicious.
In a statement, the agency noted, “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. The school notified families about the tragedy in a letter but did not release the names of the students. The principal confirmed that counseling and support services are being made available for students and staff.
Pandora’s mother, Simone Kjolsrud, spoke to ABC15 and described her daughter as “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.”
Simone added, “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.”
The Kjolsrud family also issued a formal statement through family representative Kathryn Leonard. “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. 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,” concluded the statement.
According to a GoFundMe page created to support the family, the teenage girl’s life “was violently taken on May 26th, 2025.”
The page described her as having “a vivacious personality with an infectious smile that brought joy to so many.” It continued, “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 post also highlighted her deep love for music and the outdoors, noting that she played the violin, cello, and guitar, and enjoyed camping, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.
Animals held a special place in her heart, as she had a strong bond with her two small dogs and often stopped to greet dogs she passed on hikes or neighborhood walks.
The fundraiser aims to “allow Pandora’s family to grieve the unimaginable loss of their daughter without the worry of financial burden.” As of this writing, it has raised over $30,000 of its $35,000 goal. While funeral services will be private, the family is planning a community celebration of life in the coming months.A Facebook post by her mother also offered a glimpse into Pandora’s family life. She recalled their last Mother’s Day together, when Pandora treated her to brunch and picked out matching outfits, saying, “Here mama wear this, we will be twins.”
Simone referred to her daughter as “truly a rare gem who brightened every single persons day” and added, “She had the sweetest most loving spirit in the whole world
