One of Deserae Turner’s last wishes comes true as family, friends hold small horse show in her honor

CACHE VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — For six years, Deserae Turner rode horses and competed in shows alongside her siblings. In 2017, things changed after Deserae was shot in the head and began her journey of recovery.

“It was emotionally hard to be around other horses and be around our friends, because… it was no longer the life that she could live,” Deserae’s older sister, Lizzy Turner Leslie, told ABC4.com.

Deserae and her family had not been to another horse show since she was shot — that is, until Saturday, April 12. After a recent health complication, Deserae decided to enter hospice care, and one of her last wishes was to ride a horse and see a horse show again.

“Today is exciting, and very hard, and nostalgic all in one for me — and also happy,” Deserae’s sister Kaycee said.

Family and friends held their own horse show on April 12 to help fulfill Deserae’s wish. It was a small show, consisting of relatives and close friends like Savannah Pickett, who met Deserae at a horse show and befriended her several years ago. Savannah drove from Colorado to Utah for the show.

“I ride in her honor. I’m not here for me, I’m here for her,” Savannah said.

Deserae herself was able to participate in the show. She rode in a two-wheeled carriage that was pulled behind a horse as it maneuvered through various obstacles. During the years she competed, Lizzy said Deserae regularly won ribbons.

“I remember everything with her from the very beginning,” Savannah said. “Horse shows — I mean, our horses matched, we wore the same colors during all of it, I mean just tight. She always had a smile on her face, no matter the circumstance.”

Deserae’s sister Madasyn, who also participated in Saturday’s show, said her sister helped shape who she is. She said, “Des is such an incredible person, and without her, I couldn’t have been the person I am today.”

“I am so thankful for everybody who was able to come and show today and support us,” Lizzy said. “They have loved us through it all and have known us — the real us — for years.”

Background

Deserae Turner was 14 years old when she was shot in the head and left in a canal bed in Smithfield, Utah, by two of her classmates in 2017. Deserae survived, and two suspects, 16 years old at the time, were sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for the shooting.

Deserae was able to continue living her life: She graduated high school, performed a service mission for her church, and got married. According to a GoFundMe* set up by her family, Deserae has undergone nearly 50 procedures since she was shot — 16 of which were brain surgeries.

“I have been in so much agony, so much pain, for eight years… it is time for me to take the steps to be in less agony and less pain,” Deserae previously told ABC4.com.

Because of recent health complications — specifically, bilateral septic pulmonary emboli, or an infection with blood clots — Deserae has decided to enter hospice care.

“Everybody is scared of death and, yes, I guess I am scared a little bit — but I also just want it to come quick,” Deserae said. “I’m not scared of what’s gonna happen next… I truly believe I know where I’m going, and I’m ready to get there.”

Less than a week after her family created the fundraiser to assist with final medical costs and funeral expenses, Deserae’s GoFundMe has received more than $50,000 in donations.

*ABC4.com is not affiliated with the online fundraiser or the organizers behind it. While this fundraiser is designated as “donation protected” by GoFundMe, ABC4.com does not guarantee that any funds donated will be used for the person(s) named as beneficiaries of the fundraiser.

Marcos Ortiz, Sarah Murphy, Brian Champagne, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.