by Salt Lake City, UT — A 23-year-old woman who was critically injured by flying debris while trying to escape a storm at the Redwest Music Festival has died, her family confirmed.
Ava Ahlander, originally from American Fork but residing in Seattle, passed away at a hospital after her organs were donated, according to a family representative. She had traveled back to Utah to attend the festival at Utah State Fairpark with a friend, as she was a passionate music festival attendee.
“Ava was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth, and adventurous spirit touched everyone around her,” her family wrote on a GoFundMe page. “Even in her passing, Ava continues to give the gift of life to others as an organ donor — a final act of generosity that truly reflects her caring nature and desire to help those in need.”
Tragic Incident During Storm at Redwest Music Festival
According to Salt Lake Police Lt. Leigh Willis, officers and firefighters responded to a report of an injured person near 1055 W. North Temple shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, during a thunderstorm that disrupted the festival. The concert had been temporarily suspended due to the storm, and many attendees sought shelter to avoid the lightning, rain, and strong winds.
Ahlander was near her car, which was parked near a construction site, when she was struck by a large plank from scaffolding that had fallen onto her vehicle.
“A strong wind burst likely caused the scaffolding to fall,” Willis explained, adding that high wind gusts were reported across the region during the storm.
Ahlander was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, and doctors later determined that she had lost brain activity, her family said. They kept her on life support long enough for her family to say goodbye and to proceed with her organ donation.
Weather Conditions Lead to Festival Shutdown
The storm that led to the tragic incident prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning, with gusts up to 60 mph expected as a cold front swept through the region. The Redwest Music Festival was ultimately canceled for the night, including the headliner performance by Post Malone.
“The strong winds and dangerous conditions forced the festival organizers to cancel the festivities for everyone’s safety,” Willis said.
Despite the heartbreaking turn of events, Ava Ahlander’s family chose to honor her legacy through the gift of life as she became an organ donor.
The festival, which was set to feature a variety of artists, will be remembered for both the music and the tragic loss of a young woman who loved live performances.
What are your thoughts on this tragic accident and how weather conditions can impact large events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
