Carson W Orchard

In Loving Memory of Carson W. Orchard (Casper Grey)
December 23, 1991 – April 28, 2025
With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Carson W. Orchard-also known by many as Casper Grey-who died on April 28, 2025, at the age of 33 due to an accidental overdose.
Carson was the youngest child of Paul and Nina Orchard, the sixth in the family and the light at the end of a 12-year gap between siblings. His arrival brought new joy and energy into the Orchard home, and from the very beginning, it was clear he was unique and special. Determined and independent even as a baby, he was walking by seven months-just one sign of the adventurous spirit he carried throughout his life.
Carson had a loving, compassionate heart and an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. As a young adult, he set off on a personal journey across the western United States in an old car, seeking meaning, beauty, and new experiences. In his continued search for adventure, he also spent a summer in Alaska working at a fish factory, and spent a year living in Seattle where he discovered a love of bicycling. This hunger for life extended into his deep love of music. Rarely seen without his headphones, Carson was always listening, always discovering. He played the drums and proudly performed in a band with friends for a few years. His musical tastes were wide-ranging, but he especially loved classics from the 1960s-The Beatles, Herman's Hermits, and most of all, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Carson was a philosopher at heart, always thinking, always asking questions. He loved deep conversations and had a gift for connecting with others through his thoughtful, open-minded perspective. His many tattoos-on his hands, arms, and eventually covering much of his body, including his face-were expressions of his identity and story as was his unique style. He stood out in a crowd not just visually, but for his warmth and friendliness. Strangers quickly became friends when Carson was around.
One of Carson's most treasured companions was his cat, Zoey, whom he adopted from a local animal shelter. Their bond was deep, and he cared for her with tenderness and devotion.
Carson loved his family and friends fiercely and was deeply loved in return. He was often the first to reach out in times of both sorrow and celebration, offering a thoughtful word, a kind gesture, or simply his presence. He dreamed of motorcycle rides through the mountains and hoped to one day study psychology in college-a reflection of his ongoing desire to understand himself and others more deeply.
Carson also lived with the weight of major depressive disorder and other mental health challenges. He sought help through therapy, medication, and the support of loved ones. Though there were moments of healing and growth, he struggled to fully overcome the trauma and hardships he faced.
To those who are struggling with mental health or substance use, Carson would want you to know that you are not alone-and that asking for help is an act of courage. To those who love someone facing these challenges, he would ask you to listen with empathy, to seek understanding, and to love without condition.
Carson was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Orchard, sister Ellen Orchard, father Paul Orchard and several friends. He leaves behind his mother Nina Orchard, his siblings Christina, Jennifer, and Heath, his beloved cat Zoey, and countless friends and family members who will forever hold him in their hearts.
A viewing and informal memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Premier Funeral Services, 67 E 8000 S, Salt Lake City, UT. Viewing will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by the service at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend, and the family would love to hear your memories and stories about Carson during the gathering.
Carson's light was one-of-a-kind-brilliant, searching, gentle, and brave. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, always.