Family speaks about 5 family members found dead in Springville


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SPRINGVILLE — "We will never, ever be able to think of their young, smiling faces without smiling right back."

That declaration was made Tuesday by relatives of the five members of a Springville family who died mysteriously in their home. It was the relatives' first public appearances and comments since the weekend tragedy.

Bob McGee, an uncle of Janson McGee — the oldest son of Ben and Kristi Strack who discovered his stepfather, mother and siblings in an upstairs bedroom — read a page-long statement to the media Tuesday while other relatives stood to his side.

Janson McGee clutched the hand of his girlfriend and did not look up the entire time. His head slumped lower as the statement was read. He ran off to a car in a nearby parking lot in tears when the statement was finished.

"We are shocked and heartbroken by the sudden loss of so many members of our family," Bob McGee read. "Events like this are difficult to understand, and even harder to come to terms with. And no words can adequately describe our feelings of grief and sorrow."

The bodies of the Benjamin Strack, 37, his wife Kristi Strack, 36, and three of their children, Benson, 14, Emery, 12, and Zion, 11, were discovered by Janson McGee and his grandmother about 8 p.m. Saturday in their home, 954 E. 900 South.

Preliminary autopsy results found no signs of a violent death, such as a gunshot or stabbing wound. Police said Tuesday they had no idea what caused the deaths, or whether it was an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning or something criminal. The Utah State Medical Examiner's Office doesn't expect toxicology testst to be completed for another six weeks.

Springville Police Lt. Dave Caron asked the public for patience and said the community needs to understand that solving this mystery won't be like a TV show.

"I didn't get into law enforcement to not have answers. I got into law enforcement to have answers. Unfortunately, this is one of those cases where we just don't have them. I wish we did," he said.

Likewise, Bob McGee told the media, "We, too, are seeking the healing that comes from understanding, and hope that the results of the ongoing investigation will be able to provide closure for all of us. That said, we understand those answers will take time and it is likely we will never know everything in perfect detail."

McGee thanked the police department for their work and the community for their support. He asked the public to do what their family has been doing: "Fast and pray, to smile, to laugh, and most especially to show those around you how much you love them. You never know when or if tragedy will strike. And you will never regret holding your loved ones closer or being kinder to those around you."

Ben Strack was remembered for always finding the bright spot "despite any gloom or hardship." He had a good nature and infectious smile that was complemented by his wife, Bob McGee said.

"Ben showed us there is always room for a warm smile, a kind word and a cathartic laugh," he said. "They would have wanted us to carry on, to think of the wonderful moments we had with them, and to spend our lives being a little bit kinder, holding our loved ones a little bit longer and smiling a little bit wider each and every day."

The funeral for the family will be private, but a public vigil will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. in Pioneer Park at 500 W. Center Street in Provo. People can also help with funeral expenses by donating to the Strack Family Memorial Fund at America First Credit Union by calling 1-800-999-3961 or emailing support@americafirst.com. There is also a GoFundMe account set up under Strack Family Memorial Fund.

Contributing: Faith Jolley


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