Flowell, Utah Tragedy: Three Family Members Dead in Suspected Murder–Suicide, Including Toddler and Grandmother
Flowell, a small rural community in Millard County, Utah, is grappling with a tragic incident after three family members were found deceased in a home on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The victims have since been officially identified and authorities believe it was a murder–suicide involving multiple generations of a single family.
🧑🤝🧓 Victims Identified
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Jay Dean Stevens, 28, of Flowell — believed to be the perpetrator
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Colleen F. Halsey, 67, Stevens’ grandmother
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Harper Helena Stevens, 23-month-old daughter of Jay Stevens
🔍 Incident Details
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Deputies responded at approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 24 to a residence in Flowell, an unincorporated area between Fillmore and Delta located about 5 miles west of I‑15.
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At the scene, a firearm matching the wounds was recovered, leading investigators to conclude that Jay Stevens shot and killed his grandmother, then took his own life. Both were found with apparent gunshot wounds.The toddler, Harper Helena Stevens, was also found deceased. Her cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy results.
💔 Official Statement & Ongoing Investigations
The Millard County Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing profound sorrow:
“This incident rises to every level of tragedy. We are brokenhearted for family members who mourn these losses as they yet prepare for memorial services. … We ask all to respect their privacy and feelings. … As further information becomes available, we will provide updates.”
The Utah State Bureau of Investigation may assist in processing evidence and confirming timelines. Autopsies and forensic testing are underway to fully determine cause of death and confirm sequence of events.
🌿 About the Community & Those Lost
Flowell is a farming village in Millard County with just over 100 residents—a tight-knit and quiet community where neighbors are familiar faces. The incident is described by locals as unprecedented in memory.
From obituaries and family tributes:
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Colleen F. Halsey was remembered as a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished family time and was deeply loved by all who knew her.
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Jay Stevens, nicknamed “Jay Bird” for his love of nature and birds, is described as someone who found joy outdoors and lived a life shaped by simple, meaningful connections.
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Little Harper, only 23 months old, was celebrated in her obituary as “endlessly funny, incredibly smart, and full of personality,” bringing light to all around her—her family promises a celebration of her life on her birthday, August 18.
📅 Funeral Services
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A combined funeral service for Colleen Halsey and Jay Stevens will be held on Friday, August 1, at the Flowell Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fillmore.
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A separate viewing for Harper Helena is scheduled for Monday, August 18, at the Olpin Stevens Funeral Home in Fillmore to coincide with what would have been her birthday.
📝 Key Facts Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Thursday, July 24, 2025 |
| Location | Flowell area, Millard County, Utah |
| Victims | Jay Dean Stevens (28), Colleen F. Halsey (67), Harper Helena Stevens (23 mo) |
| Incident Type | Apparent murder–suicide; both adults died of gunshot wounds |
| Harper’s Cause of Death | Unknown—autopsy pending |
| Funeral Dates | Aug 1 for Colleen & Jay; Aug 18 for Harper |
🙏 Final Reflection
This tragedy has profoundly impacted the Flowell community and all who knew the family. Though details remain incomplete, the enormity of the loss—spanning three generations—stands as a sobering reminder of unresolved grief and the fragility of life.
Our thoughts are with the family and all residents during this heartbreaking time. Respect for their privacy and dignity is paramount as the investigation continues and memorial services are planned.