17-Year-Old Female Victim Killed in Shooting Incident in Iron County on January 17, 2025

Iron County, Utah – January 17, 2025: In a tragic and senseless act of violence, a 17-year-old female was fatally shot in an incident that occurred late Thursday evening, January 17, 2025, at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West in Iron County. The young victim, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, succumbed to her injuries shortly after being rushed to Cedar City Hospital. This heartbreaking event has left the community in shock, and the Iron County Sheriff’s Office is actively working to gather information from the public in the hopes of finding the individual responsible for the senseless act.

At approximately 10:30 PM, law enforcement officials responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire targeting a vehicle. Deputies from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, along with Gold Cross Ambulance personnel, arrived at the scene to find the critically injured 17-year-old girl inside her vehicle. Despite their best efforts, she tragically passed away from her injuries after being transported to Cedar City Hospital.

The Sheriff’s Office investigation has revealed that the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown truck for several miles before the fatal shooting. Law enforcement experts suggest that the suspect pulled alongside the victim’s car and fired multiple shots into the vehicle. The gunshots caused the young driver to lose control of her vehicle, which veered off the road, crashed through a vinyl fence, and came to a stop approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet identified any suspects, but they have requested assistance from the public to help piece together the events that led to this tragedy. Law enforcement believes a small red pickup truck was followed closely by a dark-colored truck or SUV near Lund Highway and Midvalley Road in the hours leading up to the incident. Investigators are particularly interested in surveillance footage from businesses or residents along these roads, and anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to come forward.

The Iron County Sheriff’s Office has vowed to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for the shooting to justice, and they have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in this ongoing investigation. “We want to bring peace to this grieving family and ensure that justice is served,” said Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Evans. “Any information, no matter how small, could be the key to solving this case.”

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Cedar City Police Department, Enoch City Police, and the Department of Public Safety, have all extended their condolences to the victim’s family. Their response was swift and professional, providing immediate assistance to the victim before she was transported to the hospital.

The tragic loss of this young life has left the community in mourning, and many are left wondering how such a violent act could occur in what is often seen as a peaceful rural area. The community is rallying around the victim’s family and hoping for swift justice for a senseless crime that has shattered the sense of safety many residents have come to rely on.

Details of the Shooting Incident and Investigation

According to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting incident occurred just before 11:00 PM on January 17, when the victim, who was driving a small red pickup truck, began to be followed by a dark-colored truck or SUV along Lund Highway near 1600 North and Midvalley Road. Investigators believe the vehicles continued to travel west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area, where the victim was ultimately targeted by the suspect.

Authorities are asking residents and business owners along the route to check their surveillance cameras for any footage from between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM that might show the vehicles involved in the shooting. Investigators are also appealing to anyone who may have seen anything unusual or who might have information that could assist them in solving the case to come forward.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a dark-colored truck or SUV, though details regarding its make and model remain unclear at this stage. The red pickup truck driven by the victim is believed to have been closely followed for several miles before the shooting occurred. Witnesses report seeing the two vehicles in the area of Midvalley Road just before the shots were fired.

After the shots rang out, the victim’s vehicle swerved off the road and crashed through a vinyl fence before coming to a stop. Law enforcement and emergency responders worked quickly to provide life-saving measures to the victim, but despite their efforts, the young driver was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Cedar City Hospital.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the motive behind the attack. At this time, it is unclear whether this was a random act of violence or if the victim was specifically targeted.

In a statement, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office expressed its dedication to solving the case, saying, “We are doing everything in our power to gather information and bring the individual or individuals responsible for this crime to justice. We ask that anyone with information or relevant footage please come forward.”

Community Response and Support for the Family

The tragic death of the 17-year-old victim has sent shockwaves through the Iron County community. Local residents have expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the incident, and many have gathered to support the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The family’s loss is immeasurable, and the community has rallied around them in their time of need.

Community members have also expressed concern over the senseless violence that took the life of such a young individual. “It’s just heartbreaking,” said one local resident. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen here. It’s a small town, and we all know each other. To hear something like this—it’s just unbelievable.”

Local churches and organizations have opened their doors to provide support to the victim’s family and offer counseling services to those affected by the tragedy. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office has also received numerous messages of support from the community, with many expressing their confidence that the authorities will work hard to find justice for the victim.

The victim’s family has asked for privacy during this time of mourning, but they have expressed their gratitude to those who have already reached out with messages of support. The family has also expressed their hope that anyone with information regarding the shooting will come forward to help bring closure to their daughter’s untimely death.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance

As the investigation continues, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for any information or leads that could help them identify the suspect and the motive behind the shooting. Investigators are particularly interested in any footage from surveillance cameras along Lund Highway and Midvalley Road, as well as any witness accounts that might shed light on the events leading up to the shooting.

In particular, the Sheriff’s Office is asking for any information on the dark-colored truck or SUV that was reportedly following the victim’s vehicle before the incident. Authorities are also looking into the possibility that the vehicles involved may have been seen in the area earlier in the evening.

The Sheriff’s Office has set up the following contact numbers for the public to report any information:

Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 435-867-7500
Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 435-586-9445

The Impact of the Shooting on the Community

The shooting of the young woman in Iron County has had a profound impact on the community. What is often considered a peaceful rural area has been left reeling from the senseless violence, with many residents struggling to comprehend how such an event could unfold in their own backyard.

The local schools, where the young victim had been a student, have expressed their condolences and are offering counseling services to students and staff who may have been affected by the tragedy. School administrators have said that they are doing everything they can to support the grieving community during this difficult time.

The shock and disbelief felt by many in the area is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the investigation. The authorities’ request for assistance from the public is crucial in ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family. In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed sense of urgency within the community to find answers and ensure that such an act of violence is not allowed to go unpunished.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The death of the 17-year-old female in Iron County on January 17, 2025, is a senseless and devastating tragedy. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served, and that the person or persons responsible for this crime will be held accountable. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to find answers, and they are calling on the public to come forward with any information that may aid in solving the case.

The victim’s family remains in the thoughts and prayers of the community, and everyone is rallying behind them in the hope that the truth will come to light. It is a difficult time for all those affected, and the community’s commitment to supporting one another remains unwavering as they await justice for this young victim.

Anyone with information about this tragic incident is urged to contact the Iron County Sheriff’s Office or Cedar Dispatch at the numbers provided above.