Jenna Sharp, 14, Tragically Killed After Church Youth Dance in Lehi, Utah—Community Devastated by Loss of Bright, Promising Teen Struck by Vehicle While Walking Home
LEHI, UT — Jenna Sharp, a 14-year-old Lehi resident with a warm smile and a vibrant presence, was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle on Friday night, May 30, 2025, shortly after attending a local church youth dance. What was intended to be a joyous, memory-filled evening quickly turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving Jenna’s family, peers, church community, and the entire city of Lehi in mourning.
The devastating accident took place just minutes after the youth gathering concluded, casting a heartbreaking shadow over what had been a wholesome and spirited night designed for fellowship, fun, and faith. Jenna, who had been walking home or possibly toward a waiting ride near the event venue, was struck by a car in a nearby intersection under circumstances now being investigated by Lehi City Police and local traffic authorities.
Despite rapid response efforts by emergency medical personnel, Jenna was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries.
A Promising Young Life Cut Tragically Short
Jenna Sharp was more than just a name in a news report—she was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. A student at Lehi Junior High School, Jenna was known for her intelligence, creativity, and unwavering kindness. Teachers described her as respectful and hardworking, while classmates often spoke of her empathy, joyful energy, and willingness to include others.
She participated in numerous school activities, from academic clubs to church youth programs, and dreamed of one day becoming a teacher or a pediatric nurse. Her nurturing nature was apparent even at her young age—always the first to help, quick to offer a hug, and the type of friend who made everyone feel seen and valued.
“Jenna had a heart of gold,” said a close family friend during a community vigil held Saturday night. “She could light up any room, and she genuinely cared about everyone. This is a loss that has left a hole in all of us.”
The Scene of the Tragedy
The incident occurred near a church building frequently used for youth activities hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event was a regular youth dance held for teenagers aged 14 and up—a rite of passage and a safe, uplifting environment for young people in the community.
As attendees began leaving the building around 9:45 p.m., Jenna was walking with a small group of friends toward the parking lot area. At some point, she separated from the group—whether to meet a ride, cross the street, or retrieve something left behind is still unclear.
According to witness reports and preliminary findings from the Lehi City Police Department, Jenna was in or near a crosswalk when she was hit by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The driver, whose identity has not been released but who is cooperating with law enforcement, reportedly remained at the scene and called 911 immediately. There is no current indication that drugs or alcohol were involved, though investigators are awaiting toxicology results as part of standard procedure.
Several teens who witnessed the incident or arrived shortly afterward were left shaken and distraught. Counselors have since been made available at the church and school to help youth process the trauma and grief stemming from the sudden loss of a beloved peer.
Emergency Response and Investigation
First responders from the Lehi Fire Department and Lehi Police arrived on the scene within minutes. CPR and life-saving measures were initiated by both civilians and paramedics, but Jenna’s injuries were too severe. She was declared deceased at the scene, a short distance from the church entrance.
Authorities cordoned off the area to begin an investigation, collecting witness statements and securing video footage from nearby traffic cameras and security systems. Investigators are focusing on vehicle speed, lighting conditions, visibility, and pedestrian right-of-way compliance to determine the full scope of contributing factors.
Lt. Marc Richards of the Lehi Police Department issued a statement early Saturday morning, saying:
“Our hearts are with the Sharp family and all affected by this devastating incident. We are committed to a thorough investigation and encourage the public to avoid speculation while facts are still being gathered.”
A Town in Mourning
Lehi, a growing city in Utah County known for its strong sense of community and family values, has been deeply affected by the sudden loss of one of its own. On Saturday evening, hundreds of residents gathered near the site of the accident to hold a candlelight vigil. Church leaders, teachers, classmates, and neighbors shared memories, read scriptures, sang hymns, and offered prayers in Jenna’s honor.
Balloons, handwritten letters, candles, and flowers now line the sidewalk where the incident occurred—a makeshift memorial that has steadily grown with each passing hour. A banner bearing Jenna’s name and the words “Forever in Our Hearts” hangs nearby, surrounded by messages of love and remembrance.
Local leaders have expressed condolences and support for the family. Mayor Mark Johnson released a statement on social media, writing:
“Our community has suffered a heartbreaking loss. Jenna Sharp was a young woman with a bright future, and we mourn her deeply. We will support her family and friends as they navigate this tragic time.”
The Sharp Family’s Statement and Support Efforts
The Sharp family, while still in the early stages of grief, issued a brief but heartfelt statement through a family friend:
“Jenna was our joy, our light, and our everything. We are devastated beyond words. We ask for prayers, privacy, and compassion as we mourn her loss and remember the incredible daughter, sister, and friend that she was.”
A GoFundMe page was established to help the Sharp family with funeral expenses and has already seen a surge of donations from across the state. Several local businesses have also pledged to support the family through fundraisers and benefit nights.
In addition, students at Lehi Junior High are planning a tribute event in Jenna’s memory, including the planting of a tree on school grounds and the dedication of a bench engraved with her name and favorite scripture verse.
Renewed Calls for Pedestrian Safety
Jenna’s death has reignited conversations around pedestrian safety in Lehi—particularly near schools, churches, and event centers. Parents and community leaders have raised concerns over lighting, crosswalk signage, and the need for increased patrol presence during youth events.
Advocates are calling on city officials to review traffic patterns and install flashing pedestrian beacons or other protective measures near venues where teens frequently gather.
“Kids should be able to attend church dances and school functions without fear,” said local parent Sarah Thompson. “We owe it to Jenna and every child in this city to make our streets safer.”
Honoring a Life That Touched So Many
As the Sharp family prepares to lay Jenna to rest, the community continues to honor her memory through acts of kindness—writing notes to her family, sharing stories of her compassion, and pledging to live with the kind of generosity and heart Jenna exemplified every day.
Youth leaders from her church group spoke about her leadership, her faith, and her ability to lift others when they were down. “She was the first to volunteer, the last to leave, and always the one to include someone standing alone,” said one of her advisors. “Jenna didn’t just attend youth group—she helped shape it.”
Her friends remember a girl who loved music, had a passion for baking, and dreamed of one day traveling the world. Her little brother says she was his hero, always patient, always protective.
A Legacy of Light and Love
Though her time was heartbreakingly short, Jenna Sharp’s life was filled with love, purpose, and the kind of light that cannot be dimmed. Her legacy now lives on in the lives she touched, the joy she brought to every room, and the faith she carried in her heart.
Plans for a public memorial service will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the city of Lehi stands united in grief, love, and a shared determination to remember Jenna for the beautiful soul she was.
Rest in peace, Jenna Sharp. You are forever remembered, forever loved.
Leave a Reply