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Vigil for two lost teens: ‘I can't imagine the pain they were in to make this decision’
- Mark Sabbatini
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 minutes ago
More than 150 family and schoolmates gather at YDHS to remember Zoey Clark and Leotis Phillips, both 16, a day after they were found dead in nearby woods Monday
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
There were memorable moments shared by relatives and classmates. Many tears and many embraces. And an immense sense of loss and unanswered questions about why Zoey Clark and Leotis Phillips, both 16, were found dead together in the woods with a gun hours after they were reported missing.
"I can't imagine the pain they were in to make this decision," Ariah Clark, a cousin of Zoey Clark, said during an evening candlelight vigil Tuesday, one day after they were found. "And the only comfort I think any of us can find at this point is that they weren’t alone and they found peace in those last moments together."
"They wouldn't want any of us to continue to suffer because that was not their goal and intention."
More than 150 family, friends, teachers and others attended the vigil in the sheltered outdoor court at the Dzantik'i Heeni campus, where Zoey Clark attended Yaaḵoosgé Daakahídi High School. The two teens were found Monday afternoon in a wooded area near the campus.
The Juneau Police Department stated Monday teens died of gunshot wounds and that the incident remains under investigation. JPD Deputy Chief Krag Campbell said Wednesday the two youths were the only people at the site when the deaths occurred, but an autopsy to determine the circumstances will take some time.
Those at the vigil spoke on the premise the teens took their own lives. Speaking to the crowd without a microphone in an open space, and often struggling with grief, much of what was heard was fragments of memories about each of the teens such as culinary school ambitions, artistic talents, and robotics camp.
Prayers, as well as appeals to people to reach out to others to cope in times of grief, were expressed throughout the hour-long vigil.
"I heard the news about the loved ones that we lost," said Eli Phillips, Leo Phillips’ uncle. "All day then my heart is heavy. I feel like a hard grief, hard to think, and just wandering around and don’t know what to say or think. But think about all the family here, all those parents for all these families, friends…who are right here. Every time you see someone, even if you're disagreeing with them, always make sure you tell them you love them, even when you're upset with them, disagree with them, always make sure you say you love them. You just never know about something like this."
Statements of sympathy for the families of the lost teens — and encouragement for other youths experiencing distress to seek support — are being shared by a wide number of people and organizations in online messages.
The Zach Gordon Youth Center, where family of Leotis Phillips said he spent time, stated Tuesday on its Facebook page that staff "are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two of our precious teens. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please get help. Call or text 988 and please tell an adult."
NAMI Juneau, in a similar post, noted it offers a 24-hour crisis line at 907-463-3303, SEARHC has a 24-hour helpline at 877-294-0074 and the Juneau Mobile Crisis Team is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily by dialing 911. NAMI is also hosting a suicide prevention awareness community picnic from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Savikko Park shelter no 1. In addition, the nonprofit is partnering this month with the Juneau School District for a Signs of Suicide (SOS) program that includes working with middle and high school students, and a presentation for parents and caregivers from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Floyd Dryden Building.
A GoFundMe has been established on behalf of Leotis Phillips’ family to help with funeral and travel costs. One has also been established for Zoey Clark’s family.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
Signs placed along with candles and flowers near portraits of Zoey Clark and Leotis Phillips during a vigil for them at the Dzantik'i Heeni campus on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)
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