In a solemn gathering on Thursday at Scottsdale Civic Center Park, family, friends, and community members paid tribute to 17-year-old Evan Clark, whose life ended tragically last month. The park, a childhood favorite of Evan's, became the site of memories and mourning as loved ones remembered the light he brought into their lives. On May 27, Clark and 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud were found dead near Mount Ord, with no arrests made or suspects identified by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, as confirmed by 12 News.
Sandra Sweeny, Evan's mother, expressed the depth of her loss at the memorial service. "I'm Evan's mom, and he was my world," she said in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix. Echoing her sentiment was a touching reflection of many of Evan's friends who were the kindest people, they claimed he was to ever exist. They recalled his humor and kindness that resonated in the heart of every individual present.
The gathering featured Evan's favorite treats like Costco pizza and Crumble Cookies, creating a shared space of grief and remembrance amongst those who cherished him dearly. Amidst the pain, Sandra thanked everyone for their outpouring of love towards her son, articulating an appreciation that was palpable in her heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much for loving my son. I never wanted to have a party like this... I will never recover from this. He was my everything. And thank you for loving him," Sweeney told FOX 10 Phoenix.
As a means of bidding farewell, mourners wrote final messages on balloons, releasing them to the sky with the hope that Evan felt the magnitude of their sentiments. Stating her ultimate gratitude, in words that seemed inadequate for the love she bore, Sandra added, "Thank you, thank you, everyone. Everyone from...TESSERACT," according to a FOX 10 Phoenix interview.
The community's search for answers continues as they eagerly await updates from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which, as of the vigil's eve, had not disclosed any new information. Reflecting the heartache of a mother's intuition, Sweeney had previously expressed her opposition to the fateful camping trip. "I was also one of those people who begged my son not to go on that camping trip, and it wasn't the first time I begged him not to go. I was very, very against it. Very against it," Sweeney told FOX 10 Phoenix. As the community grieves, a call for information echoes, with authorities urging anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward. To this end, both families have established GoFundMe accounts to support their ongoing quest for justice.
