ENOCH, Utah — Eight bodies were found inside an Enoch City home Wednesday; all suffering from gunshot wounds, police say.
Enoch City officials said three adults and five minors were among those found inside the home in the 4900 North block of Albert Drive. Police were called to the house in reference to a welfare check and found the bodies inside.
WATCH: Friend mourns loss of family killed in Enoch home
All the victims were members of the Haight family, but it's not known why a welfare check was performed or whether police had any prior involvement with the family.
Officials said Michael Haight apparently killed the seven members of his family before turning a gun on himself.
"This is not normal, this is not something that happens often at all, and in a small community in rural Utah. We're all family, so this affects everybody and everybody had some connection to the individuals and some connection to the family," said Enoch City City manager Rob Dotson.
A friend of the family is in shock and said this kind of tragedy simply doesn't happen in the tight-knit and small community of Enoch.
"It's almost like we grew up so sheltered in these small southern Utah communities that we don't see a lot of this," explained Tina Brown. "Sure our kids hear about it on the news and on YouTube and podcasts and you know Dateline. That's what my oldest said, he was like mom, stuff like this happens on Dateline, but it doesn't happen here."
Names and ages of the victims have yet to be released, but those that knew the family were shocked to hear what had happened.
"I just feel terrible, they were just really nice people and I mean, it's going be one of those things that who knows," said neighbor Tom Deville.
Officials added that they do not believe there is a threat to the public or that any suspects are at large.
The five minors were all students in the Iron County School District. The district said a Crisis Intervention Team will be at schools to help students and staff who need assistance emotionally dealing with the incident.
"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as needed," the district wrote in a statement.
Brown added she thinks the tragedy will ripple through the community in the coming days.
"I think the ripple effect of what is going to take place in the next few days in our community and in our schools," she said. "I don't even know what's going to happen."
In a post to social media, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared his sadness over what occurred Wednesday.
"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this senseless violence. Please keep the community of Enoch in your prayers."
An active investigation is currently underway.
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