CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Family of teen shot near Hunter High School: He’s a miracle

Jan 23, 2022, 9:40 AM | Updated: Jan 24, 2022, 12:29 pm

students shooting teen hunter high school memorial...

Hunter High School students gather at memorial site for their peers. Photo: Derek Peterson, KSL TV

MURRAY, Utah — The family of a teen shot near Hunter High School earlier this month offered an update on his condition Sunday morning, calling Ephraim Asiata “a miracle” who keeps “proving us wrong.” 

Watch the update from Ephraim Asiata’s family below. 

Asiata’s ungle, Muka Atiga, addressed reporters Sunday morning to say the teen continues to improve, moving out of intensive care. According to Atiga, Asiata recently began communicating with his family. The family thanked West Valley City for their support and encouragement. 

“There’s no community that’s more supportive for their people than the West Valley City community,” Atiga said. “We’ve seen that every single day. The evidence shows in the way that people show up.” 

Atiga said early on, doctors gave him a 1% chance, but Asiata continues to prove them wrong. 

Asiata seen lifting weights from hospital bed

On Monday morning, Asiata’s sibling posted a video of him from his room in the hospital. 

Ephraim Asiata lays in his hospital bed. But on this day, Asiata is seen doing chest presses with a weight. Asiata’s eldest sister, also a student at Hunter High School, posted the video to twitter on Monday.

The post received an immense amount of feedback and support from their community and beyond. She hashtagged the post #EphraimStrong and#AsiataStrong.

Previous details in the teen shooting near Hunter High 

Two other teens died in the same shooting. Friday, police revealed the gun used in the shooting was purchased in 2013, though they could not yet say how it came into the hands of the 14-year-old accused of carrying out the shooting. 

As of Friday, police said Asiata, the teen who survived the shooting near Hunter High, remained hospitalized but continued to improve. 

A 14-year-old remains in custody accused of wounding Asiata and killing the other two victims, Tivani Lopati, 14, and Paul Tahi, 15. Prosecutors have not yet filed charges. However, that could happen as soon as Monday, and prosecutors say they plan to try the suspect as an adult. 

Police say all of the teen victims and the suspect in the shooting attend Hunter High School. 

More on this story: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Family of teen shot near Hunter High School: He’s a miracle