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Ava Ahlander, 23, Dies After Windblown Scaffolding Strikes Her During RedWest Evacuation

Police cite a wind‑driven plank from a nearby construction site as the cause, with her family later confirming organ donation.

Overview

  • The Seattle resident, who grew up in American Fork, had returned to Utah with friends for the RedWest Music Festival at the Utah State Fairpark.
  • First responders were called shortly after 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 near 1055 W. North Temple as a cold front brought high winds that prompted the festival’s suspension.
  • Doctors determined she had lost brain activity after initial resuscitation, and she remained on life support to allow goodbyes before organ donation.
  • Salt Lake City police say a strong wind burst likely dislodged a scaffolding plank at the adjacent construction site that fatally struck her.
  • A family GoFundMe to cover memorial, medical and counseling costs has raised more than $20,000 as of Tuesday.