Colten Boyle Obituary, Death; – Two teenage boys lost their lives in what appears to be a murder-suicide incident in rural northern Arizona. Colten Boyle has been named by his family as one of the victims in the shooting that occurred on Saturday in Tonto Basin.
According to police reports, one 15-year-old boy shot another 15-year-old before taking his own life. Both boys sustained gunshot wounds to the head and were confirmed deceased, as reported by Arizona’s Family. Officers discovered one boy dead at the scene, while Boyle was still alive and subsequently transported to a trauma center, where he was placed on life support before passing away on Sunday.
At the time of the incident, a group of seven individuals aged between 15 and 20 was present, with all but one reportedly having consumed alcohol, according to officials. Boyle’s family opted to publicly disclose his identity to clarify that he was not the shooter, as police have yet to provide further details on the case. “This has been the worst day of our lives,” his mother, Michelle Boyle, expressed on Facebook.
“Colten Boyle left us far too soon after being on life support. He was surrounded by those who loved him. I do not want his life to be remembered as that of the boy in Tonto Basin who was murdered. He was the funniest, kindest, hardest-working ranch hand, the best big and little brother, a goofy 90’s cowboy shirt-wearing roping cowboy, and OUR SON.
“His Snapchats and texts could make anyone laugh uncontrollably. He always had a witty comeback if you teased him. “We are utterly devastated that this has happened to him. He had so much to live for and so much still left to accomplish!”
Boyle was an accomplished cowboy and frequently participated in horse-riding competitions, as indicated on his Facebook profile. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No further information has been released at this time. Tonto Basin is located approximately an hour and a half northeast of Phoenix.
