Breaking: One Dead, Two Critically Injured After Shooting Near Kearns Church During Funeral

KEARNS, Utah — A funeral gathering in Kearns turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak after gunfire was reported near a church Saturday, leaving one person dead and two others critically injured, according to preliminary information.

The shooting was reported in the area of 5000 South and 4600 West, where a large law-enforcement and emergency response quickly developed.

The incident occurred while a funeral was taking place for 23-year-old Ofa’tangikivaha Angilau, who was fatally shot at a Riverton gas station the previous week.

Authorities previously said Angilau entered the gas station carrying a shotgun and threatened people before he was shot and killed by police.

Funeral Gathering Turns Tragic

Family members and mourners had gathered for Angilau’s funeral when reports of gunfire sent people scrambling for safety.

One family member who attended the funeral said she left the area before the shooting occurred but was later told that multiple people had been shot. She said family members remained at the scene as the emergency response unfolded.

The circumstances that led to Saturday’s shooting have not yet been fully established.

Police were called to the area and a significant emergency response followed, with officers working to secure the scene and determine what happened.

Schools Placed on Secure Protocol

The shooting also prompted precautionary measures at nearby schools.

Several schools in the area were placed on lockdown or secure protocols while police investigated the reported gunfire. Officials urged people to stay away from the area and allow emergency responders to work.

The identities of the person who died and those critically injured have not been released in the information currently available.

A Community Facing Another Loss

The tragedy has added another layer of grief to a community that had gathered to mourn the death of Angilau.

A funeral is ordinarily a time for families and friends to come together, remember someone they loved and begin the difficult process of saying goodbye. Instead, mourners were confronted with another violent incident that left additional families facing uncertainty and heartbreak.

For those who were present, the events are likely to leave lasting memories of fear and disbelief.

The thoughts of the community are now with the person who lost their life, the two critically injured victims, their families and everyone who witnessed the incident.

This remains a developing story. Authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation continues, including details about the circumstances of the shooting, the victims and whether anyone has been arrested.