Moab woman shot last week dies from injuries

MOAB — A Moab woman shot by a man who then turned the gun on himself has died from her injuries.

Moab police announced Tuesday that 33-year-old Anzhela "Angela" Pronina died Monday afternoon.

Pronina was shot by Charles Anthony "Tony" Nelson, 30, in her home at 290 W. Williams Way on Sept. 15. Nelson then shot and killed himself, according to police. Pronina was flown by medical helicopter in extremely critical condition to an undisclosed hospital.

"Angela was an organ donor. We understand that once doctors had determined she would not survive her injuries, the decision was made to harvest her organs," Moab police stated on Tuesday.

"Though the loss of her life is exceptionally tragic, her last gift to the world was life and opportunity for others in need of organs," Chief Lex Bell said in a prepared statement. "We offer our sincere condolences to Angela's family and friends, both here in Moab and back home in Ukraine."

Police say they are still interviewing people as part of their investigation, including Pronina's family who still live in Ukraine. Investigators say they hope to release more information about the case next week.

According to a GoFundMe* fundraiser aimed at helping Pronina's family travel from Ukraine to Utah, Nelson was her former boyfriend.

"A senseless tragedy occurred in our small town on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Angela (Anzela) Pronina was enjoying a day off when her ex-boyfriend broke down the door to her home, shot her and then killed himself. Angela was flown to the Grand Junction trauma center, where doctors have determined that there is no longer any brain activity," the fundraiser, set up shortly after the incident, states. "Angela is the only child of Ukrainian parents and dreamed of an American life. She was able to make that dream a reality 12 years ago.

"Angela wasn't the person who walked into a room and immediately demanded everyone's attention, she had a quiet presence and was unapologetically herself. She came across as having a tough exterior, but once you got to know her, you could see she was an incredible human being—funny, kind, fiercely loyal and a much bigger heart than she let on.."

The fundraiser was started by Pronina's coworkers at Zax Restaurant.

Anything you can give is greatly appreciated; whether it's a donation, sharing this fundraiser, or simply keeping her family in your thoughts. Thank you.

Nelson was already known to police at the time of the shooting. When he was 16, he was charged as an adult with murder in 7th District Court. Juvenile court later adjudicated the case, and it was dismissed.

But in 2017, when Nelson was 21, he was charged with stealing several firearms and burying them in his backyard. Nelson was convicted of two counts of theft in 2018, second-degree felonies. After originally being placed on probation, he violated the conditions and Nelson was ordered in 2020 to serve his original sentence of one to 15 years in the Utah State Prison.

After being granted parole and having his parole revoked several times, according to records from the Board of Pardons and Parole, Nelson was last paroled in March of 2025.

*KSL does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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