The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says it is investigating the deaths as homicides.
PHOENIX — The Arcadia High School community is mourning after the bodies of two students were found early Tuesday morning. Their deaths are being ruled as homicides by authorities.
"It's so surreal," said one of Clark's co-workers, Iara.
Hearts are broken after the bodies of 17-year-old Evan Clark and 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud were found on May 27th.
"I still have that feeling like I'm going to see him later," she said.
"Just really miss him," said another friend who asked to remain anonymous. "Just hitting me now, I don't have words it feels really unreal. I just saw him. He was making jokes and now he's gone."
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to a call for service off State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Once there, they found the teens' bodies but have yet to release any information about the circumstances of their deaths. Deputies confirm that the case is being investigated as a homicide.
"My friend texted me about it," said the friend. "I didn't believe him at first."
A representative of the Kjolsrud family shared this statement with 12News:
"On behalf of the Kjolsrud family, 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. Information can be shared through the MCSO tip line, 602-876-TIPS.
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."
On Thursday, classmates and friends stopped by a growing memorial, leaving flowers, trinkets and messages for the two Arcadia High School students in a spot the two loved to visit.
"I don't even have bad memories of him," Iara said. "He was always so cheerful and happy and making jokes. I never saw him in a bad mood he was an amazing person."
"Just a sweet girl," said another person who asked to remain anonymous. "She had a lot of friends, she was always very polite and sweet."
Their pain, they say, is indescribable. Instead, they're now focused on the good times.
"I never saw Evan with a frown on his face," the friend said.
"He spoke to a few of us about camping and I recently found out he was into photography," Iara said. "He loved cars, he would talk to our co-worker here about F1. We just hold those memories close to us, he was always making jokes and cracking jokes."
Kjolsrud's mom said, "This is my daughter. 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. 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."
And as friends and family wait for more details, they're now leaning on each other, not ready to say goodbye.
"Our condolences to family and friends and everyone affected by these two losses," one person said.
"I'm just speechless," another said. "It's so sad, it's heartbreaking."
Scottsdale Unified School District says on Monday, June 2nd, a team of psychologists and counselors will be on campus from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. to offer support and resources.
Anyone who may have information about this case is encouraged to contact MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.
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