Turner family provides update on condition of Smithfield shooting victim

The family of 14-year-old Deserae Turner, who was critically injured in a Smithfield shooting last week, has issued an update this afternoon about the Amalga girl’s condition. The prepared statement was released by Jill Parker, who has been serving as the family’s spokesperson, and identifies Deserae as a “fighter with a strong will to live.”

According to the statement, Deserae remains in critical condition, but is no longer in a medically-induced coma. Deserae’s parents express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they continue to receive and also applaud the efforts of their daughter’s medical team. The road to her recovery has been described as “very long.” 

“The kindness our family has been shown is beyond measure,” they write. “We are in awe of the number of people who have reached out to us, thought of us, and included our family in their prayers.”

The statement reads in its entirety:

<em>We would like to express our sincere gratitude to family, friends, community members, and all of those we may not have met. The kindness our family has been shown is beyond measure. We are in awe of the number of people who have reached out to us, thought of us, and included our family in their prayers. We are especially grateful for the medical staff who have gone above and beyond to care tirelessly for Deserae. While Deserae remains in critical conditions she is no longer in a medically induced coma. Our daughter is a fighter with a strong will to live. We are grateful for everyday and know that there is a very long road ahead for her and our family. -</em><em>The Turner Family</em>

As the Turners focus on Deserae’s continued needs, community members interested in fundraising efforts are being asked not to contact the family directly at this time. Inquiries are instead being directed to the Cache County Attorney’s Victims Advocate Office, which will assure that funds being raised reach the family in a streamlined manner. The office may be reached by email at <a href=”mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a> or by phone at 435-755-1835.

Contributions to the “Deserae Turner Charity Fund” may be made at any branch of America First Credit Union. A GoFundMe page, <a href=”https://www.gofundme.com/fight-for-deserae-turner”>https://www.gofundme.com/fight-for-deserae-turner</a>, has also been established to support the Turner family. A community fundraiser, “Fighting for Deserae,” will take place at Bounce 4 Kids in Logan tomorrow evening from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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