Phoenix police are searching for a person accused of throwing a vehicle shock absorber into the fire before the blast.
PHOENIX, AZ — A 16-year-old Peoria girl suffered serious burns and extensive facial injuries after an object thrown into a bonfire exploded during a Halloween gathering near Lake Pleasant, according to Phoenix police and the teenager’s family.
Police said the explosion happened around 10:30 p.m. Oct. 30 near New River and Saddle Mountain roads. Investigators said a person believed to be between 16 and 25 years old threw a vehicle shock absorber into the fire, causing it to explode. The person left before officers arrived and remained sought by police as of Monday.
Detectives said debris from the blast struck several people at the gathering, but 16-year-old Jaidynn Penberthy was the only person seriously injured. Her brother, Ethan Glass, told Arizona’s Family that Penberthy was about 10 feet from the bonfire when the explosion knocked her unconscious.
Glass said his sister suffered a broken jaw, several facial fractures, missing teeth and burns. Penberthy was flown to a burn center, where she underwent facial reconstruction surgery. Her family said she will need additional surgeries, dental procedures and continued medical treatment as she recovers.
Family members said people at the gathering immediately tried to help Penberthy after the explosion. Her friends then began taking her for medical care while calling 911, according to Glass. The family said she eventually was airlifted to a hospital because of the severity of her injuries.
By Monday, Glass said Penberthy was awake and improving but was unable to speak. She was communicating with relatives by writing. He said she was grateful to have survived but was still trying to understand what had happened.
A fundraiser organized by Glass and other family members said Penberthy was injured in the Oct. 30 explosion and faces a lengthy recovery. The family said medical care is expected to include more operations, dental work and other evaluations. The fundraiser was established to help cover costs connected with her treatment and recovery.
Police have not publicly identified the person they are seeking in connection with the explosion. Investigators described the person as a teen or young adult between 16 and 25 years old and said the individual left the area before officers arrived. No arrest or criminal charge had been announced in the reporting reviewed for this story.
Phoenix police continued to investigate the blast and were asking anyone with information to contact the department or Silent Witness. Penberthy remained hospitalized and continued recovering from her injuries while her family prepared for additional medical treatment.
Author note: Last updated November 3, 2026.