Tragically, a festivalgoer lost her life outside a well-known country music festival in Utah after being hit by debris from a nearby construction site, as she sought refuge from severe weather conditions.
Ava Ahlander was located outside the Redwest Music Festival at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City when strong winds dislodged a large piece of wood from scaffolding, sending it crashing towards her, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
The 23-year-old was trying to evacuate the fairgrounds with her friends when the heavy wood fell from approximately 30 feet, striking her as she and her companions were exiting their vehicle—landing on her and crushing the car.
She was swiftly transported to the hospital with critical injuries, as stated by the police.
Sadly, her family confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries, which were reported by a representative to KSL on Monday.
Ahlander, who hailed from American Fork and was currently living in Seattle, had visited Utah with friends to experience the festival and see Post Malone, as detailed in an emotional Facebook post by her uncle, Bobby Ahlander.
“She was always the life of the party. Being around her was a joy,” he shared with KSL.
“It’s indescribably painful. The sorrow is overwhelming; it’s such a shocking loss,” he added.
According to her uncle, the accident occurred as Ava and her friends stood outside their car, and he described it as an unfortunate “freak accident.”
Although first responders were able to revive her on-site, doctors later determined that she had no brain activity, he stated.
The family disclosed that she was maintained on life support temporarily to allow them to say their farewells.
“Ava was a truly kind and vibrant individual whose spirit left a mark on everyone she met,” her family expressed on a GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral costs and to support her friends who witnessed the incident in attending grief counseling.
“In her final act of generosity, Ava is also donating her organs, reflecting her compassionate nature and commitment to helping others in need.”
Ava’s passion for music was paralleled only by her love for the great outdoors, the ocean, and her life in the Pacific Northwest, as her uncle Bobby shared with KSL.
She attended American Fork High School before moving to Oregon for college, and later settled in Seattle, where she enjoyed her new environment.
“Ava was an incredible person, and her infectious smile brightened the lives of everyone around her,” her uncle wrote on Facebook.
