Ilan Casey-Ken Nez

Ilan Casey-Ken Nez, age 17, of Ft. Duchesne, died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on February 18, 2026.

He was born May 30, 2008, in Roosevelt, to Fananda LaRee Nez and Adel Fred Blackhair.

Ilan was a Senior at Ashley Valley Education Center. He had a friendly, outgoing personality, a contagious smile, and an infectious laugh. He was a kind, loving, and respectful young man who was a “Grandma’s Boy” – he had great respect for his grandparents. He enjoyed spending time with his cousins, staying closely connected to them through group chats and phone calls – they were often hanging out, laughing, and joking. Home life with his mother and sister was always peaceful and expressive. He had pride in being a good big brother to his sister and was exceptionally proud of his mom and how far she had come with taking care of him and his sister.

Ilan enjoyed life, was a Pow Wow Grass Dancer, and traveled throughout Indian country, making many friends wherever he went. In the Spring, he took part in the Bear Dance. He really loved his car, playing roblox, and even doing fashion shows with all the boys He was becoming a talented basketball player and improved everytime he went to the Uinah Rec Center with his boys – he was on a mission to become “The One” at basketball. He was a joy to be around whether it was staying up late, horseplaying, or traveling to tournaments, he always managed to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a “Sneakerhead” – always looking to have the “finest fits!” He was the Heritage Club President at Uintah High School.

Ilan had a strong faith in the Creator, he would pray at the family gatherings. He was positive, supportive, encouraging, and uplifting to those in need. Ilan knew he could become something in life. He was very proud of himself when he accomplished things.

He will be deeply missed and is very much loved.

Ilan is survived by his mother, Fananda Nez; siblings, Kaeloni Nez, Treston Blackhair, Gracelyn Blackhair, Jeremy Blackhair, Dezrin Blackhair; grandparents, Helen Ward, Keith Blackhair, Alice & Larry Nez, Susan Jenkins; great-grandmother, Audrey Ward; aunts & uncles, Randon Nez, Alexis Nephi, Carla Kowchee, Ciana Appawoo, Shermaine Blackhair, Keith Blackhair, Jr, Denny Blackhair, Chase Blackhair; the families of Marie Johnson and Philip Kaufusi, who were like second families to him; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adel Blackhair; grandparents, Jacqueline Lee; Kenneth Nez; uncle, Jordan Nez; and many other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ft. Duchesne Community Building. There will be a wake at his mother, Fananda’s, home after 2:00 p.m. on Saturday until Monday morning. Her residence address is 131 S 7250 E in Ft. Duchesne.

Burial will be in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.