WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Sha Reh, a teen who was the lone survivor of a December 2024 West Valley City murder‑suicide, died unexpectedly on Sunday of natural causes, family and friends said.
- Fast Facts
- Sha Reh: teen survivor of Dec. 2024 West Valley murder‑suicide
- Died unexpectedly on Sunday of natural causes
- Lived in the Dogwood building at Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
- Attended Bridges High School and planned to pursue law at University of Utah
Close friends who lived with Sha in the Dogwood residence — Dillon Dodges, Tino Rubio and Dakota Larsen — described him as a steady, supportive presence. The trio said they were stunned when they learned of his death; one friend said he had to read the news multiple times before it sank in.
The Legacy
- Remarkable resilience: Sha was the lone survivor of a December 2024 murder‑suicide and made a public recovery that inspired his peers.
- Academic ambition: A Bridges High School student who planned to continue at the University of Utah and pursue a career in law.
- Community pillar: Known among housemates and classmates as a supportive leader who kept others hopeful during dark times.
Friends painted a picture of a young man whose positivity lifted those around him. “He was always a supportive person. He kind of acted like a pillar of the group,” Tino said. “With how positive he is, it inspired me to be a better person,” Dillon added. Dakota called Sha his brother, saying, “Seeing what he went through, and that he still would smile and would be a light in a dark situation.”
Their memories underscore how Sha’s life — and the way he faced unimaginable loss — shaped the close bonds inside their dorm. The friends said they will honor him by living fully and continuing the goals he chased.
Social reactions and family statement
News of Sha’s death prompted immediate, heartfelt responses from classmates and the school community. Peers shared memories of his warmth and steady presence; many said his example pushed them to pursue their own dreams.
Sha’s extended family released a statement saying, in part: “While we are devastated at the news of his death, the knowledge of the joy of his reunion with his family exceeds our pain. He was among those who were once blind, but now can see. He has a perfect vision of his and his family’s eternity, and his home is now with them.”
As the community processes the loss, friends and family are focusing on remembrance and the promise of a future lived with the courage Sha demonstrated. Local officials and school leaders have been notified; further details from the family about services were not immediately available.
“We all loved him,” Dillon said. “I’m going to miss you while you’re gone, but I’ll see you one day.”
Image Referance: https://kmyu.tv/news/local/friends-speak-about-grit-of-young-man-who-died-unexpectedly-after-surviving-shooting