The American Fork Police Department said Olin Johnson, 57, is accused of shooting and killing his wife, 52-year-old Kerilyn Johnson, before turning the gun on himself, KUTV reported. Authorities reportedly ruled the deaths as a murder-suicide, pending test results from the state medical examiner, according to the KUTV report.

The deceased couple was located in their home near 1400 North and 100 East on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Since then, there’s been an outpouring of support for their children and family members mourning the sudden loss.

“With the sudden passing of Olin and Kerilyn Lowe Johnson many are devastated and desire to show love and support to their six children as they navigate this tragedy. … The love many have for this family is immense,” state a GoFundMe crowdfunding page organized by a family friend to help cover funeral expenses and other costs.

Olin Johnson served as a member of the Utah County Search and Rescue team, according to his LinkedIn bio.

Kerilyn was known in the community as a professional singer and theater actor as well as a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University.

“She was absolutely incredible. I was in awe of her as a person and as a teacher. She just did it all so well and masterfully,” said Christian Sorensen, a former student in Kerilyn Johnson’s contemporary voice class.

Sorensen said she genuinely cared for her students and was always willing to offer advice when students came to her with an issue.

He recalled seeking Kerilyn’s guidance on how to avoid burnout. Her advice, which Sorensen said he’ll never forget, was to keep constantly learning, be a giver not a taker, constantly check in with God to see if you’re still on the path he wants you to be on, then trusting God’s plan.

“She really was just an angel, and wonderful. I’m so sad for her children and her dad, her whole family and all of her friends,” Sorensen told the Daily Herald.

On Sunday night, community members and loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil at Art Dye Park to honor the Johnsons while offering emotional support for their six children.

“We just want them to feel how many people love them, rooting for their success and grieving with them,” vigil organizer Melanie Cartwright told Fox 13.

NEED HELP?

Those thinking of harming themselves have several resources available.

Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK, or visit 988lifeline.org.

You can also visit liveonutah.org or download the SafeUT app.