Juneau, Alaska – Two 16-year-olds, Leotis Phillips and Zoey Clark, were found dead in a wooded area near Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School on Monday, August 31, 2026, in what authorities are investigating as an apparent double suicide. The Juneau Police Department announced the discovery shortly before 2:30 p.m. after the teens had been reported missing from their homes earlier that day.
A firearm was recovered near the bodies of Phillips and Clark, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Phillips was reported missing from his home at 5:52 a.m., and Clark was reported missing at 8:49 a.m. Police had initially stated that the couple was believed to be in possession of a firearm, but the source of the weapon remains undisclosed.
The bodies were transported to Anchorage for an autopsy by the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office. While officials have not officially ruled on the cause or manner of death, loved ones described the incident as a double suicide.
Friends and family held a candlelight vigil at the school's campus to remember Phillips and Clark. Those who knew them described them as sweethearts who were deeply in love and supportive of each other. "The happiest I saw him was with her," said Ariah Clark, Zoey's cousin. "Through all the things she’s been through, he’s been there. I believe they both were hurting, and that their last moments were peaceful." Zoey's father, Zac Clark, expressed his grief, stating, "My life is never going to be complete anymore. Parents just need to love their kids harder and stronger — that’s all I can say." He also voiced a need for more answers regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Zoey Clark was remembered for her kindness, intelligence, and artistic talent. A GoFundMe created in her memory described her as "loving, and genuinely kind-hearted" who "helped others and cared deeply for the people around her." Leotis Phillips' grandmother, Bobbiebo Johnson, shared her heartbreak on Facebook, writing, "In a million years I never thought I’d be writing my oldest handsome grandson Leo obituary….its wrong…someone else should be writing mine… me not writing my grandchildren."
Resources are available for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis. In New York City, individuals can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. Outside of New York City, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline can be reached at 988, or people can visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.