MILLARD COUNTY, Utah — An investigation is underway after three people, including one child, were found dead in Millard County.
The Millard County Sheriff's Office said they were called Thursday to the Flowell area for reports of deceased individuals at 8:30 p.m., and when they arrived, they found the victims.
They were identified Monday as 28-year-old Jay Dean Stevens, 67-year-old Colleen F. Halsey, and 23-month-old Harper Elaina Stevens.
The sheriff's office said it appeared Jay Stevens shot and killed Halsey (his grandmother), then himself.
Harper Stevens was Jay Stevens' daughter, and the cause of her death has not yet been determined.
A family spokesperson sent the following statement to FOX 13 News: "Our family is devastated by the tragic and unimaginable loss of Harper, a beautiful soul taken far too soon under heartbreaking circumstances. At this time, we ask for compassion, privacy, and space as we grieve and support Abbie through this nightmare no parent should ever have to face. Harper brought light and joy in her short time with us, and that light will never fade from our hearts. We thank the community for their love, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time."
Tailyr Rushton, Harper's mom's cousin, says she'll miss little Harper's fun spirit, and her dear friend Colleen Halsey.
“Colleen ... was the picture-perfect grandma," Rushton said. "She was a grandma to everyone who was not even her grandkid. She was that type of person that she would literally do anything for anyone. She had this happy presence about her; you felt safe with her.”
Rushton has set up a GoFundMe for Harper's mother, Abbie Brunson, following her daughter's death. Donations can also be made to Harper's funeral fund via Venmo: @tailyrrae.
"This incident rises to every level of tragedy," the sheriff's office wrote. "We are broken hearted for family members who mourn these losses as they yet prepare for memorial services. We ask all to respect their privacy and feelings. We also ask for continued patience and understanding as we continue to investigate towards an explanation of the event in so far as one can be reached."
The home is located in an unincorporated area about five miles west of I-15 in Fillmore known as Flowell, which has a population of around 100.
"Honestly, this is a very good community. We’ve lived here for three years. It was instantly welcoming. We've never had any problems with any of the neighbors," resident Brett Mathis said.
Mathis said other than a person in the area who took their life two years ago, this situation is unprecedented.
"This is the first time we've ever heard anything in this area about, you know, a family being found dead," Mathis said.
"I really hope and I pray for the family that's suffering in this tragic time. It's horrible," Mathis said.
