Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Redwest Festival Attendee, 23, Dies After Scaffolding Debris in Salt Lake City Storm

Police say a sudden wind burst likely toppled nearby scaffolding during a high-wind warning.

Overview

  • Ava Ahlander, 23, had returned from Seattle to attend the Redwest Music Festival at Utah State Fairpark after growing up in American Fork.
  • She was struck by a large plank from scaffolding that fell onto her parked car near 1055 W. North Temple as she tried to leave during the storm.
  • First responders took her to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors later determined she had lost brain activity.
  • Her family said she was kept on life support long enough for organ donation before they announced her death.
  • The National Weather Service had issued a high wind warning with gusts up to 60 mph, and Saturday’s performances, including Post Malone’s set, were canceled because of the weather.