Teen who was shot in Springville identified; remains on life support
SPRINGVILLE, Utah (KUTV) — The teenager who was shot at a park in Springville on Wednesday has been identified at 17-year-old Lily Conroy.
Investigators believe she was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Masao Kaanga, 19, at Hobble Creek Park Wednesday afternoon. After shooting Conroy, police say Kaanga shot himself in the head and died at the scene.
Lt. Warren Foster said Kaanga previously made threats to harm Conroy, but the circumstances of what led up to the shooting remain under investigation.
According to Springville Police, Conroy remains on life-support to preserve her organs for donation.
"The family wishes to carry on their daughter’s legacy to help someone in need. The family would like Lily to live on by donating her organs to a local family. If there is a family in the local area who is in need of organ donation, contact the Springville Police Department (801.489.9421)," Lt. Foster wrote in a statement.
The Nebo School District said grief counselors are available for students at Springville High School, where Conroy attended.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news of our Springville High student. Springville High has a crisis team here at the high school that includes grief counselors to help any student or faculty member that may need help and resources. We ask parents to take time to visit with their children during this difficult time. We will continue to have resources available, even after graduation, if at any time students and faculty members need them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and school community as we mourn alongside them."
Neighbors hung blue ribbons around Conroy’s neighborhood and a vigil is being planned for 8:30 p.m. on Wildflower Way in Springville.