LOGAN — A local hero and example of perseverance, Deserae “Des” Turner, has passed away after reportedly developing a deadly infection in her lungs. Family members said in a statement that it was with “profound sorrow” that they announce the passing of the 22-year-old woman, “who tragically lost her life on the evening of April 17, 2025.”
The statement read: “Des was deeply loved by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant spirit, kind heart, and strength touched countless lives. Words cannot begin to express the pain and heartbreak we are feeling.”
Friday’s announcement came ten days after Turner’s mother, April Turner announced that her daughter had been placed on hospice after being diagnosed with bilateral septic pulmonary emboli in her lungs.
“Des has fought a good fight for more than 8 years now; she is tired,” April wrote on a GoFundMe account. “She doesn’t have it in her to fight another life or death battle. She has endured so much more than anyone should ever have to endure.”
On the afternoon of February 16, 2017, Turner was led by a pair of teenage boys she knew to a canal in Smithfield where then-16-year-old Colter Peterson shot her in the back of the head. He and Jayzon Decker took the 14-year-old’s belongings and left her there.
Early the next morning, Turner was found by a family friend who was helping search for her. She was still alive, but barely.
Turner underwent 63 days of intensive hospital treatment and made a miraculous recovery, although never completely. For the past 8 years, she endured countless doctor visits and therapies, underwent nearly 50 procedures, of those, 16 were brain surgeries.
Despite the daily pain and challenges, Turner set and accomplished so many goals: graduating from high school, serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, growing thousands of flowers to give away, working a job a few hours each week, and getting married.
Friday’s statement from the Turner and Buck families said they were overwhelmed by and grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community during this unimaginably difficult time. They also asked for privacy and space as they grieve and begin to process this “tragic loss.”
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.