A homicide investigation is underway after three women were found dead at two separate locations on Wednesday, authorities in Utah have said.

In a news release on Thursday, the Utah public safety department said that authorities received a call Wednesday afternoon reporting that two women had been found dead on a hiking trail. During the course of the investigation, a third woman was found dead at a residence in Wayne county.

Officials said the first woman was in her 30s, the second in her 60s and the third in her 80s. The news release states that the victims’ identifies are being withheld while next of kin notifications are underway.

The Utah public safety department said that it is investigating the case alongside local law enforcement agencies, and said that “multiple scenes are being investigated and processed in Torrey and the surrounding areas.”

Officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a white 2022 Subaru Outback with license plate U560YF.

“As this remains an active investigation, with the suspect at large, law enforcement is urging residents in the Torrey and surrounding area to take extra precautions, such as locking doors, remaining at home or with others, and being vigilant about surroundings,” the department said. “Please report any suspicious activity to 911.”

The Wayne county sheriff’s office urged local residents in a statement on social media on Wednesday evening to “take extra precautions, keep lights on, keep doors locked, remain home or with others this evening if possible.”

“Multiple law enforcement agencies are currently in the area,” the office said.

Wayne county school district also announced on Wednesday night that, “out of an abundance of caution and concern for student and public safety”, its schools would be closed Thursday and Friday “due to unfolding events in the county”.

“We will also have counselors in place to support students when we are back in session next week,” the school district said. “We will communicate updates as things unfold.”