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PAYSON — A tragic shooting in Utah County took not only one life, but two. Authorities said a man shot himself intentionally, but the bullet struck and killed his ex-girlfriend as well.
The shooting happened late Friday night in Payson Canyon at the Maple Bench Campground.
Officials with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said 24-year-old Nakylee Marvin was the unintended victim. Her family was still in shock over what happened.
“I keep finding myself thinking that it’s not real,” said Jacob Marvin, Nakylee’s father.
“I keep hoping the alarm will go off and we can all wake up,” said Sharon Marvin, Nakylee’s grandmother.
Her family described Nakylee as fun, smart, independent and fiercely devoted to her 5-year-old daughter, Aveah.
“She was an amazing mom,” said Sharon. “She adored that baby.”
“She was like a mama bear to Aveah,” said Curtis Marvin, Nakylee’s grandfather.
Nakylee and Aveah were camping Friday night. Nakylee’s ex-boyfriend, who is also Aveah’s father, was there, as well. Investigators identified him as 27-year-old Ethan Timoko.
Authorities said Nakylee and Timoko got into an argument.
Timoko was seated inside a vehicle and she was standing outside of it. That’s when deputies said Timoko pulled out a handgun and shot himself in the head.
The shot killed Timoko. The same bullet struck Nakylee in the neck.
Emergency medical teams from Payson Fire & Rescue and AirMed medical helicopter responded, but were unable to revive Nakylee.
The news was heartbreaking to her family.
“I stood right there trying to hold myself up on the chair,” said Curtis. “I couldn’t breathe. I thought, ‘This can’t be happening.’ It’s not real.”
Related:
Police: Man, woman dead after apparent suicide, accidental shooting at Payson Canyon
A man and woman died early Saturday morning in a shooting at Payson Canyon, police said.As they make arrangements for her funeral and start figuring out what’s next for 5-year-old Aveah, Nakylee’s father was understandably sad – and angry.
“I want to say he killed my daughter, because he did,” said Jacob. “Whether it was intentional or not, I don’t think any of us truly know.”
Nakylee’s family hoped they’ll heal eventually, but life will be far from easy without her.
“Our faith is going to help us get through this,” said Curtis.
A GoFundMe page* set up has been set up to help Nakylee Marvin’s family with funeral expenses.
Crisis Hotlines
- Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
- Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org/chapter/afsp-utah/
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
