Deserae Turner dies at 22, years after surviving impossible gunshot wound
Apr 18, 2025, 12:22 PM | Updated: 3:16 pm
Deserae Turner is pictured before her death on April 17, 2025. She was 22. (Courtesy Turner-Buck Families)
(Courtesy Turner-Buck Families)
SALT LAKE CITY — After a young girl, Deserae Turner-Buck, became famous for surviving a seemingly impossible gunshot wound at just 14 years old, her family provided a heartbreaking update on Friday.
On Thursday evening, Turner took her last breath at the age of 22.
In a statement provided to KSL TV, her family said she was deeply loved:
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Deserae Turner-Buck, who tragically lost her life on the evening of April 17, 2025.
Des was deeply loved by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant spirit, kind heart, and strength touched countless lives. Words cannot begin to express the pain and heartbreak we are feeling.
We are overwhelmed by and grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community during this unimaginably difficult time. As we begin to process this tragic loss, we kindly ask for privacy and space to grieve.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.
With love,
The Turner and Buck Families
Turner’s family had made an announcement on April 8, saying she only had a short time to live, after she’d developed septic pulmonary emboli.
When she was 14 years old, Turner was lured to a secluded spot in Smithfield by a group of teen boys she knew. One of them pulled out a gun and shot her in the head before fleeing, leaving her there to die.
Miraculously, a family friend stumbled on her near-lifeless body later that evening, barely alive.
Turner pushed through the unbelievable odds through intensive care, and on to learn to live again with multiple health complications. Through it all, she remained resilient — going on to graduate high school, serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, deliver motivational speeches, and even got married in 2022.
Her husband, Mason Buck, remained by her side until the end.
Turner’s family said funeral arrangements were underway, and more information would be shared when available.
