A tragic event unfolded this week in Utah, where an aunt and her niece were killed during a random act of violence on one of their cherished hiking trails, as their heartbroken families have revealed.

Linda Dewey, aged 65, and her 34-year-old niece, Natalie Graves, were at the Cockscomb Trailhead in Kane County, a place they regarded as a “safe sanctuary.” On Wednesday, they were allegedly attacked by Ivan Miller, who is accused of stabbing and shooting them before attempting to conceal their bodies in a dry creek bed, according to reports from KSL.

In a statement released on Friday, their grieving family expressed the profound shock and sorrow they are experiencing after losing two beloved family members. They were enjoying a hike in a location that held special meaning for both of them and was considered a cherished refuge by the community.

“They were murdered. We cannot fathom why this occurred,” the family stated, grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy.

The bodies of the two women were discovered at the trailhead by their husbands after they did not return from their outing, according to police reports.

Linda Dewey was remembered fondly as a devoted wife, mother, granddaughter, and sister who was deeply loved and the “heart” of her family. Natalie Graves was celebrated for her role as a wife, daughter, and sister who brought “joy, sunshine, and beauty” to those around her.

“We need time to mourn, love each other and be with our family and friends,” their family added.

“We are at a loss for words that can describe what we are feeling and cannot publicly express our sadness and devastation at this time.”

They noted they plan to honor the two slain women at their beloved trailhead with photos.

Miller allegedly started his terrifying spree by sneaking into 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd’s Lyman home and shooting her from behind as she watched TV.

He then stole her Buick and went on to kill the two hikers, according to court documents.

He took off in their car and was arrested Thursday in Colorado after a multi-state manhunt.

The suspect, who was nabbed with a handgun and a large knife, allegedly told cops soon after he was cuffed that he didn’t want to kill the three women — but the murders “had to be done.”

Miller has been hit with aggravated murder and a slew of other charges.