Son, 19, who was sole survivor in father’s murder-suicide rampage dies unexpectedly

A tragic story of loss and resilience has once again shaken the community, as 19-year-old Sha Reh, the sole survivor of a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of his parents and three siblings, passed away unexpectedly at his extended family’s home in Utah. Just a week into his freshman year at the University of Utah, Reh’s promising future was cut short by natural causes.

Back in December 2024, Reh’s world was shattered when his father committed a heinous act, taking the lives of his mother, 8-year-old and 2-year-old sisters, and 11-year-old brother. Miraculously, Reh survived the attack, albeit with permanent blindness due to a gunshot wound to the head.

Despite the immense trauma he endured, Reh showed incredible strength and determination in the aftermath of the tragedy. He learned Braille at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind and was making strides towards living independently once again. His family shared that Reh had reached a point where he was able to envision a future for himself beyond the darkness that had consumed his past.

As a first-generation college student, Reh was accepted into the University of Utah as a Presidential Scholar, with aspirations of pursuing a career in law. His family took solace in the belief that he was now reunited with his loved ones who had been taken from him too soon.

In a poignant statement, Reh’s family expressed their gratitude for the time they had with him and the joy he brought into their lives. They highlighted his unwavering faith as a source of comfort and hope, as he looked forward to a reunion with his family in the afterlife.

Reflecting on his journey, Reh shared with KSL in May 2025 that learning Braille was not a significant challenge for him, drawing parallels to his experience of learning English after immigrating to the US from Myanmar. His faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints served as a guiding light, providing him with the strength to navigate the darkest moments of his life.

Despite the unimaginable hardships he faced, Reh remained steadfast in his pursuit of happiness and spreading joy to others. His legacy of resilience and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew him, as they cherish the memories of a young man who faced adversity with unwavering grace and courage.