Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark-The Juneau, Alaska, community is mourning the deaths of Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark, two 16-year-olds who were found dead from gunshot wounds hours after they were reported missing.
The Juneau Police Department said officers located the teenagers at approximately 2:25 p.m. on August 31, 2026. They were found in a wooded area above the 6800 block of Glacier Highway.
A firearm was recovered at the scene. However, police have not publicly explained exactly what happened or announced an official determination concerning the manner of the teenagers’ deaths.
The investigation remains active, and their bodies were scheduled to be sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for autopsies.
Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark Reported Missing
The search began early on the morning of August 31.
According to the Juneau Police Department, Leotis R. Phillips was reported missing from his residence on Kanata Street at approximately 5:52 a.m.
Zoey L. Clark was reported missing from her home on Teal Street at approximately 8:49 a.m.
During the initial search, investigators said they believed the two teenagers were together and might have access to a firearm. Because of that possibility, police instructed members of the public not to approach them and to call 911 if they were seen.
Hours later, officers discovered Leotis and Zoey in the wooded Glacier Highway area.
Preliminary evidence indicated that both teenagers had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Police also confirmed that a firearm was found at the scene.
Their families were notified before authorities released their names publicly.
Police Investigation Remains Ongoing
Juneau police have not announced whether investigators believe another person was involved in the deaths.
Authorities have also not publicly identified who fired the recovered weapon or explained how the teenagers obtained it.
While relatives and community members have discussed possible circumstances surrounding the tragedy, police have not released a final finding. Any claim about precisely how the deaths occurred should therefore be treated cautiously until the medical examiner and investigators complete their work.
The official police statement described the information as preliminary and warned that details could change or be clarified as the investigation develops.
The teenagers’ autopsies are expected to help authorities determine the official causes and manners of death. Police may release additional findings after receiving information from the medical examiner.
Juneau Community Holds Vigil for the Teenagers
More than 150 relatives, classmates, teachers and community members reportedly gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Dzantik’i Heeni campus on September 1.
Photographs of Leotis and Zoey were displayed alongside candles, flowers and handwritten messages as mourners remembered the teenagers.
Zoey attended Yaaḵoosgé DaakahÃdi High School, which operates at the Dzantik’i Heeni campus. The wooded area where the teenagers were located is near the school grounds.
Family members and friends shared memories during the vigil while encouraging young people experiencing emotional pain to seek assistance from trusted adults and community organizations.
The gathering offered those affected an opportunity to grieve together while acknowledging the unanswered questions surrounding the teenagers’ deaths.
Counseling Offered to Juneau Students and Staff
The Juneau School District announced plans to make counseling and other support services available to students and staff members affected by the loss.
The deaths have been especially painful for young people who knew Leotis and Zoey personally. Local youth organizations have urged parents, guardians and teachers to check in with teenagers who may be struggling to process the news.
The Zach Gordon Youth Center, where members of Leotis’ family said he had spent time, expressed sadness over the deaths and encouraged anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek immediate help.
NAMI Juneau and other local organizations have also reminded residents that confidential crisis services are available throughout the community.
Supporting grieving teenagers may require patience and continued attention. Young people can react to traumatic news in different ways, including sadness, anger, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating or changes in sleeping patterns.
Parents and caregivers concerned about a child’s response should consider contacting a school counselor, mental-health professional or crisis-support service.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
As of the latest official update, the following information has been confirmed:
Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark were both 16 years old and lived in Juneau.
Both teenagers were reported missing on the morning of August 31, 2026.
Police believed they were together and possibly had access to a firearm.
Their bodies were located at approximately 2:25 p.m. in woods above the 6800 block of Glacier Highway.
Preliminary findings indicated that both died from gunshot wounds.
A firearm was recovered from the scene.
Their bodies were being sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.
The investigation remained ongoing, and police had not released a final explanation of how the deaths occurred.
Questions Remain About the Juneau Deaths
Investigators have not publicly answered several important questions, including how the teenagers obtained the firearm and whether anyone else had contact with them before their deaths.
There has also been no official announcement concerning the firearm’s ownership or the results of forensic testing.
Until police complete their investigation, it would be irresponsible to characterize the deaths as a homicide, murder-suicide, double suicide or any other specific scenario.
The recovery of a firearm and the preliminary finding of gunshot wounds do not, by themselves, establish the complete sequence of events.
Authorities may receive additional evidence from the autopsies, forensic examination of the weapon, phone records, witness interviews and other investigative work.
Remembering Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark
The deaths of Leotis and Zoey have left two families and a close-knit community confronting an enormous loss.
At the vigil, those who knew the teenagers focused on their lives, friendships and the memories they left behind rather than the unresolved circumstances of their deaths.
The Juneau Police Department extended its condolences to their families, friends, classmates and everyone affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community’s immediate priorities remain supporting the teenagers’ loved ones, helping grieving students and ensuring that young people know where to find assistance during moments of crisis.
Anyone in the United States experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People facing an immediate emergency should call 911.
Disclaimer
This article concerns the deaths of minors and an active police investigation. It is based on information released by the Juneau Police Department and verified local reporting available at the time of publication. Authorities have not publicly announced a final determination concerning the manner of either death. Unconfirmed claims and speculation should not be presented as established facts.