Ava Mae Ahlander

Ava Ahlander, 23, was the victim of a freak accident on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Details can be found on local media coverage.

Ava Mae Ahlander was the fourth child of Rick Ahlander and Mary Harrison. She was raised in American Fork and graduated from American Fork High School. Shortly after her graduation she moved with her family to the Seattle area. She also spent some time living in Portland, OR.

From the time she was a toddler Ava was a force to be reckoned with. She was a girl who knew exactly what she wanted and nothing less was acceptable. She didn't get her way by whining or crying or flirting. It was by direct confrontation with the powers that be. There was no authority on earth that intimidated our girl.

Ava was a social whirlwind. No one can remember her saying no to any adventure offer. She spent countless weekends camping and hiking in American Fork canyon or on the Oregon and Washington coastlines. Her happy place was a campfire, surrounded by her friends and family. Those campfires were not necessarily serene, contemplative experiences. They were much more likely to be loud, funny, and perhaps a bit bawdy. She lived big.

Ava's heart was as big as her personality. She went on international humanitarian trips with her dad and came back fired up and ready to jump into any number of causes. She always had her eyes open for the person who might be feeling left out. That wasn't an option in her world. Everyone was required to participate in her activity of choice.

She had an extraordinary love for her siblings: Ben and his wife Lindsey, Clover, Eli and his wife Marisa, Max and Joe. She face-timed and texted her siblings daily. She was close to her parents: Rick Ahlander and Charisa King; and Mary Harrison and Chris Alder. She genuinely loved her step-siblings as well. She is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who love her dearly.

Ava's final gift is so befitting of her. Her major organs will be donated to others. We are convinced that those who receive any part of her will wonder why they have a sudden burst of energy and see sunshine everywhere. There will be a new angel making sure they pack their lives full of the love and joy that flowed out of her.

Ava's family is enormously grateful to the first responders and medical staff who cared for her. Their dedication and compassion were a huge comfort. Thank you to all those who loved her.

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