Salt River Community Grieves Passion Schurz

Hundreds of members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community gathered under the full moon on Wednesday to remember Passion Schurz at a candlelight vigil. Approximately 200 people came together to share memories of Schurz, described as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Details of the Case

Passion Schurz, 28, was first reported missing on March 22nd. Her body was recovered from a canal in Scottsdale on Saturday morning. She is survived by two young daughters.

Community Reactions

“Beautiful young lady. It breaks my heart because she was only 28 years old,” said Victoria Gonzales, a family friend. The vigil was held on a high school football field, just two miles from where Schurz was last seen near her family home on the reservation on March 19th.

“It’s devastating for all of us,” Gonzales added. Several family members spoke at the vigil, including Schurz’s mother, Anna Anderson.

Mother's Plea and Investigation

During the vigil, Anderson expressed her gratitude to those who loved and supported her daughter: “Thank you for loving my daughter. Thank you for being her friend. Thank you for being her support.” Last week, Anderson spoke with ABC15 about the anguish of her daughter’s disappearance, stating, “I’ve done actual, you know, literal footwork on this reservation, looking for her. All I want to know is that she’s okay.”

The cause of Schurz’s death remains unknown. Scottsdale police, leading the death investigation, reported no signs of trauma, such as fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds. Authorities anticipate it may take weeks for the Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death and how Schurz ended up in the canal.

A Pattern of Loss

A relative of Schurz, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed the profound grief of losing a child: “It’s going to be a big struggle… I think that’s the worst thing for a parent, to lose their child.” Several attendees at the vigil highlighted a concerning trend of tragic deaths among young people within the tribal community.

“I have three more relatives that it happened to,” one relative shared. Victoria Gonzales added, “Seven years ago, my son was murdered out here, and it’s very emotional. We’re going to find ways to make our community better. Ways to make sure, you know, people are searched for.”

Gonzales summarized the sentiment of the vigil: “It’s about laying baby girl to rest. It’s emotional. It’s devastating, because it’s an epidemic. It’s a crisis that we have out here.”

A crowdfunding campaign has been initiated to support Schurz’s family with funeral expenses and to provide for her two children.