Pandora Kjolsru, Evan Clark Obituary, Death: 2 High School Students Found Fatally Shot in Remote Arizona; Homicide Probe Underway

Pandora Kjolsru, Evan Clark Obituary, Death – Two high school students were discovered deceased in a secluded area of Arizona last week, in a case that authorities are treating as a homicide. In the early hours of May 27, deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a scene located near SR 87, between Mesa and Payson.

Upon their arrival, deputies located two bodies in the Mount Ord region, not far from the Gila County line. KPHO characterized the location as “difficult to access.” Reporters had to drive over an hour from the Phoenix valley, take a dirt road, and then ascend a mountain. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud and 17-year-old Evan Clark.

Investigators reported that both individuals had been shot, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths are being regarded as “suspicious.”

While information is currently limited, deputies are treating the two fatalities as homicides. KPHO has independently verified that both victims were students at Arcadia High School in east Phoenix.

On Thursday morning, Arcadia Principal Dr. Janelle Dansky sent a letter to students and their families, which included the following statement:

“Dear Arcadia Community,

It is with profound sadness that I convey the tragic news of the passing of two of our students. This loss within our community undoubtedly affects many of our staff, students, and families. As details remain scarce, we respectfully request that you honor the family’s privacy during this challenging time.” Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of students from Arcadia High School falling victim to such violence. In March 1973, Kathy Koger and her boyfriend Jim Burgoyne were on their way to a picnic in the desert to celebrate their success on final exams. Their bodies were discovered in a remote location near Saguaro Lake, having been shot to death by Shawn Jensen, who was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In relation to last week’s homicides, GoFundMe campaigns have been established to assist with the funeral expenses for both victims.

The GoFundMe page for Kjolsrud portrays her as a lover of music and animals.