‘She loved music’: Family remembers Utah native killed during Redwest Music Festival storm
Oct 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
Ava Ahlander, originally from American Fork but residing in Seattle, died from injuries suffered from flying debris outside of Redwest Music Festival in Salt Lake City on Saturday, her family said Monday. (Family photo)
(Family photo)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police have confirmed the death of a Utah native who was hit by debris when strong winds swept through the Redwest Music Festival in downtown Salt Lake City over the weekend.
The victim has been identified as Ava Ahlander, who grew up in American Fork and had been living in Seattle. Family members say she flew to Utah to attend the festival with friends and was leaving the venue Saturday evening when organizers told crowds to clear out because of the approaching storm.
Related: Redwest cancels Saturday shows amidst severe weather, coordinators announce
“They had actually asked everybody to leave because of storm conditions,” said her uncle, Bobby Ahlander. “It looks like a large wooden plank or something that was up on scaffolding blew down and hit her, struck her in the head at the base of her skull.”
Paramedics arrived to find Ahlander without a pulse. They revived her twice, once at the scene and again on the way to the hospital, but doctors later determined her brainstem had been crushed.
“They were able to get her revived, but then her heart stopped again on the way,” her uncle said. “Doctors did a scan, and it looks like the piece of wood crushed her brainstem. There wasn’t any discernible brain activity.”
Ahlander’s family said she was placed on life support long enough for loved ones to arrive and say their goodbyes.
Her uncle described her as “an absolutely exquisite young woman” whose love for music and energy made her the heart of every gathering.
“She loved music,” he said. “It was something she and I had in common… and really, something that many of us in our family have in common. Everybody loved being around her.”
Ava was also an organ donor… a decision her family said is bringing them comfort in their grief.
“We’re honored to be with her as doctors prepare her for that,” Ahlander said. “It’s a beautiful thing, even in the middle of all this heartbreak.”
The Redwest Music Festival was being held at Pioneer Park when winds intensified Saturday evening, forcing organizers to evacuate attendees.
Salt Lake City police confirmed Monday that Ahlander died from her injuries. Investigators have not released additional details about the incident or whether any safety review is underway.
“She was with friends when this happened,” Ahlander said. “Obviously, the friends are distraught and devastated. The whole family’s devastated.”
Family members say Ava will be remembered for her kindness, laughter and love for life… the same spirit that drew her to music.
A verified GoFundMe has been created to help the family with expenses and to honor Ava’s life. Those who wish to donate can visit Honoring Ava Ahlander’s Beautiful Life.
*KSLNewsRadio does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
