SALT LAKE COUNTY, UT. (THECOUNT) — A GoFundMe for Morgan Kay Harris has been posted after she was burned alive along with her dog after being locked in a Murray storage unit by her estranged boyfriend, Alexander Wardell.
Harris, 27, died along with her dog after 30-year-old Wardell kidnapped her and her pet and locked them in a unit at CubeSmart Self Storage in Murray around 4 p.m. Saturday. The unit then caught on fire.
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The facility is located at South 900 East in Murray.
Harris’ family released the following statement:
Our daughter, Morgan Kay Harris, was always known for her sweet, shy, and kind temperament, being a deep thinker with amazing artistic abilities and always having an infectious giggle. She was a beautiful model and makeup artist and a successful medical assistant. Just recently starting a new job in the Draper area she was excited about. She loved her dog, Huck, who passed with her. Leaving behind her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews whom she adored. We are devastated at the loss of our daughter and appreciate the love and support from the community but ask for your privacy at this time as we maneuver through the unimaginable.”
A GoFundMe for Harris’ family has been posted for anyone wishing to donate.
Via GoFundMe:
Hello, my name is Kit and I am fundraising for my sister and her family. Laurice’s daughter, Morgan was locked in a storage unit by her boyfriend and died in a subsequent fire. Morgan’s boyfriend has been arrested.
It has been an extremely difficult year for Laurice and her family. All help will be greatly appreciated!
Wardell was arrested Sunday and charged with one felony charge of kidnapping and one charge of negligent homicide in relation to the incident. Officials said Wardell was Harris’ boyfriend, who admitted to intentionally locking her in the storage unit and walking away before it caught fire.
It is unclear if Wardell started the fire.
According to local press outlets, a warrant was issued by Salt Lake City police against Wardell for a probation violation on Feb. 16. Court documents show that Wardell paid a $5,000 bond and was released the next day — one day before the fatal fire.
He was taken to Salt Lake County Jail for the charges in the incident, as well as a probation violation charge that appeared on Sunday.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Officials said they working to determine the cause of the fire.
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Geo quick facts: Salt Lake County is a county in the U.S. state of Utah. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 1,029,655, making it the most populous county in Utah. Its county seat and largest city is Salt Lake City, the state capital. The county was created in 1850 – Wikipedia.