WA WA - Samantha Sayers, 28, Vesper Peak, North Cascades, 1 August 2018

[Elainera]

Did they ask people that were on the trail that day to thoroughly check any photos and videos they took if Sam can be seen on them? If anyone spots her on the way down it could narrow the search area.

Frankly I don't understand the reluctance to use cadaver dogs. If they are assuming she fell and was very injured it's not likely that she'd hang on alone for four weeks. In fact I'd say that would be impossible for an injured person. You have to be realistic.

 

[Phantasma2624]

Did they ask people that were on the trail that day to thoroughly check any photos and videos they took if Sam can be seen on them? If anyone spots her on the way down it could narrow the search area.

Frankly I don't understand the reluctance to use cadaver dogs. If they are assuming she fell and was very injured it's not likely that she'd hang on alone for four weeks. In fact I'd say that would be impossible for an injured person. You have to be realistic.

They have asked people to do this in the past, and this was what got them a video of her heading up to the summit. I’m sure that he call is still out there, but so far no one has seen her or has video of her heading down from the summit.

I understand the reluctance, as I think using cadaver dogs would mean that the family has to admit there is a chance she has passed away. I don’t think her mother is there yet. From what I see in her videos, she is desperately clinging to hope her daughter is alive and I don’t blame her. She said today that she just couldn’t understand why this would happened, and why god would remove Sam from this earth if that were the case. It seems to be a clear case of denial of their current circumstances, and the only thing that can help with that is time and closure.

I also sense some anger at the police department and SAR in the videos now. She said today that they should have had more dogs out, and that helicopter searches are the “least effective type of search”. I’m not sure if I believe this because they were also searching with FLIR and Infrared technology, which would seem pretty accurate to me.

That being said, it does hinder any recovery, of course. Ironically, this could also hurt the family’s closure. I also think it’s doubtful that she’s alive at this point, although I would welcome such a surprise. If she was that injured, the chances of her survival must be very low.

Also, I think one of the major problems is that the dogs need to be trained to handle the terrain. Because of this, the family may simply be relegated to whatever dogs they can find who can handle the terrain. For example, they may need technical climbers that can raise and lower dogs onto steep terrain. The police were doing this with a helicopter and it’s unclear how a private search party will do this.

 

[Melanie G. FRENCH]

They have asked people to do this in the past, and this was what got them a video of her heading up to the summit. I’m sure that he call is still out there, but so far no one has seen her or has video of her heading down from the summit.

I understand the reluctance, as I think using cadaver dogs would mean that the family has to admit there is a chance she has passed away. I don’t think her mother is there yet. From what I see in her videos, she is desperately clinging to hope her daughter is alive and I don’t blame her. She said today that she just couldn’t understand why this would happened, and why god would remove Sam from this earth if that were the case. It seems to be a clear case of denial of their current circumstances, and the only thing that can help with that is time and closure.

I also sense some anger at the police department and SAR in the videos now. She said today that they should have had more dogs out, and that helicopter searches are the “least effective type of search”. I’m not sure if I believe this because they were also searching with FLIR and Infrared technology, which would seem pretty accurate to me.

That being said, it does hinder any recovery, of course. Ironically, this could also hurt the family’s closure. I also think it’s doubtful that she’s alive at this point, although I would welcome such a surprise. If she was that injured, the chances of her survival must be very low.

Also, I think one of the major problems is that the dogs need to be trained to handle the terrain. Because of this, the family may simply be relegated to whatever dogs they can find who can handle the terrain. For example, they may need technical climbers that can raise and lower dogs onto steep terrain. The police were doing this with a helicopter and it’s unclear how a private search party will do this.

I read an article tonight that quoted KD on the Ron and Don Show. KD said he believes Sam is still on the mountain but won’t know for sure until they “recover Sam”. I think that is pretty telling conscious or unconscious wording on his realization of the likely outcome. Regarding the dogs, I would personally be bringing both cadaver dogs and scenting rescue dogs in at this point in time, although I might not admit that to the parents. Do you think he is “protecting” them as best he can maybe?

 

[Phantasma2624]

I read an article tonight that quoted KD on the Ron and Don Show. KD said he believes Sam is still on the mountain but won’t know for sure until they “recover Sam”. I think that is pretty telling conscious or unconscious wording on his realization of the likely outcome. Regarding the dogs, I would personally be bringing both cadaver dogs and scenting rescue dogs in at this point in time, although I might not admit that to the parents. Do you think he is “protecting” them as best he can maybe?

Hmmm...maybe. There is little doubt in my mind that both he and her family know that her chances of survival are minimal at this point, but Sam’s mom mentioned that they are having nightly debriefing calls, so I don’t think he is hiding anything from them. To be honest though, it would seem hard to tell the mother anything other than she is alive. She is very adamant about it in her videos. However, I think KD Is a realist based on what I have seen and is a way more experienced hiker than the people in her family. So maybe he is doubting, but not telling the mother out of fear of hurting her. So while he may have his own opinions and doubts, I don’t know if he would be sharing those with her. Regardless, I admire him for his efforts to find Sam no matter what.

 

[madambluej]

August 27, 2018 - Hour 1 - The Ron and Don Show - Omny.fm

Starting at 17:30
Second interview

 

[Lunesta]

I've been following this from the beginning because Sam's mom is an acquaintance of a family member. I don't know them well enough for me to have any "insider information" (just wanted to make sure I put that out there), but I can't imagine what it must be like. I'm also from Iowa and we've had some heartbreaking ends to 2 recent missing persons (Jake Wilson and Mollie Tibbetts), so I'm really holding out hope that she is surviving this and is still out there alive. I've been helping to review the drone footage and pictures posted for any sign of her. I haven't read through this whole thread due to some time constraints, so this may already be on here, but the drone footage is on You Tube and the links to it and instructions for if you spot something you think might be helpful are all on the Facebook page called #findingsamsayers that is dedicated to her search. Sending out positive vibes and love.

 

[Michellesv44]

A few things. Sams mom mentioned mountain loop highway murders. A quick google shows up quite a history of missing people in the area. That being said her conclusion that VP is not likely to be a place for an abduction (busy) and there would be evidence left at the scene (Sams stuff). I agree. But anyone else give thought to this?

Also I think the family has some frustration bevause snoco sherif wont allow them to speak to the eyewitness or even indetify who that person is. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

And...the last text exchange between them was about the mom being nervous snout her going alone?!?! And same saying it’s chill. Then the mom saying what if you fall? And Sam says...then I fall. Wow.

It’s looking bleak. Weather will turn here in Washington pretty soon. Lows will be back in 30s/40s within weeks. Especially at the elevation. Berries and water or not.,....it’s not looking great.

Sams mom looks.....more defeated by the day. It’s just so heartbreaking. I’m so invested.

 

[madambluej]

A few things. Sams mom mentioned mountain loop highway murders. A quick google shows up quite a history of missing people in the area. That being said her conclusion that VP is not likely to be a place for an abduction (busy) and there would be evidence left at the scene (Sams stuff). I agree. But anyone else give thought to this?

Also I think the family has some frustration bevause snoco sherif wont allow them to speak to the eyewitness or even indetify who that person is. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

And...the last text exchange between them was about the mom being nervous snout her going alone?!?! And same saying it’s chill. Then the mom saying what if you fall? And Sam says...then I fall. Wow.

It’s looking bleak. Weather will turn here in Washington pretty soon. Lows will be back in 30s/40s within weeks. Especially at the elevation. Berries and water or not.,....it’s not looking great.

Sams mom looks.....more defeated by the day. It’s just so heartbreaking. I’m so invested.

I can confirm as of yet the sheriffs department has not and will not disclose the identity of the eyewitness.

 

[PhoebeTries]

I can confirm as of yet the sheriffs department has not and will not disclose the identity of the eyewitness.

Am I correct in thinking this may not necessarily be a decision of LE but may be a right a witness has? I remember when someone passed in a car crash in front of our house LE asked my SO (who had administered CPR) if he was okay with them passing on his details to the family.

 

[GraceG]

This is just heartbreaking especially as we go into the Fall season. I grew up in the mountains of Washington, September can bring some cold temps at night. In looking online it looks like the longest a missing hiker has gone missing before being found alive was 7 weeks (it was a couple in the Himilayans). However, though they fell into an area they couldn't get out of, they had no injuries. They had winter coats, gloves, and hats, found a cave, and had food for 8-10 days. When the food ran out they ate snow and salt packets they had. When they were found the man had lost 66 pounds and his girlfriend had died 3 days prior from starvation. At a month missing without food other than what might be foraged and likely only snow as a water source, I think we are at a recovery of Sam at this point, and not a rescue. Praying for comfort for Sam's family.

 

[zencompass]

J



I agree. I am impressed with KD’s relentless efforts to find her. Given his recent post on weather, I’m hopeful that maybe a colored piece of clothing might show through the white light snow. I know it’s a long shot but could happen. KD said the area where they found the pink and purple coat (not Sam’s) had been searched by SAR and others before showing how tough it can be to see things.

Re: the hope of life. The mom has said her mind has gone to other scenarios and she is choosing to believe Sam is still alive until hard proof otherwise. I think that’s normal. What family member wouldn’t hope for that outcome, despite the odds. The recent years have shown women kidnapped and gone for years to later be found alive. There is little doubt that their families had felt the same way and undoubtably had times of hope and other times of no hope.

Yes- I am realistic and know the likely outcome on this case.... but hope is not yet lost

Dear G. FRENCH,

I agree with you that "hope is not yet lost".

Although I am realistic as well, I do have hope until and unless it is proven there is no hope.

My heart is with Samantha's loved ones.

May they hold each other tight during this difficult time.

 

[kgreg2529]

The new interview sounds, to me, like he is being realistic and has accepted that they probably won’t find her alive although he hopes they do. His wording and the things he says about her mom make it sound like he’s doing this for her closure to just basically bring Sam back any way they can. It’s sad.

I do admire his tenacity and devotion, what a terrible thing to have to possibly come to terms with/accept and then still press on.

I’m still praying they find her soon, miracles do happen every day!

 

[Timekeeper65]

Michellesv44 in reading the comment you posted where Sam says “then I fall”....I want to mention something. My nephew is an avid hiker. He spends hours hiking on the weekends. Generally lesser known hiking trails. I had a discussion with him regarding “never hike alone”. I explained my reasoning, including cases I follow here on Websleuths. His answer was very similar. He feels like when it’s his “time to go” - if that happens while hiking - then it’s meant to be. I tried talking about the dangers etc. He basically brushed off my concerns. Disheartening.

 

[teeandcee]

I just heard about this. I don’t have much to say besides how much sympathy I feel for her loved ones, and I’m shocked by how rugged those mountains are. I had no idea!

 

[Melanie G. FRENCH]

Michellesv44 in reading the comment you posted where Sam says “then I fall”....I want to mention something. My nephew is an avid hiker. He spends hours hiking on the weekends. Generally lesser known hiking trails. I had a discussion with him regarding “never hike alone”. I explained my reasoning, including cases I follow here on Websleuths. His answer was very similar. He feels like when it’s his “time to go” - if that happens while hiking - then it’s meant to be. I tried talking about the dangers etc. He basically brushed off my concerns. Disheartening.

I agree with you that the comments Sam allegedly made to her mom aren't that uncommon or unexpected. I'm sure she did not expect to fall nor would she have anticipated that being one of the last communications with her mom if it was (I didn't see where this was reported so don't know the time frame). I am sure that all adults have had a situation where a family member tells you what they believe you should do and while they may be correct, that doesn't make you change course. It doesn't have to be about a danger or hazard and may even be something simple, yet your first thought is I'm an adult and don't need someone telling me what to do. I'm 55 and my mother still wants to "help me".

I pray that Samantha will be found quickly and be able to tell her mother how much she loves her and appreciates her caring about keeping her safe and worrying for her. It would be amazing if one day Sam and her mom are able to tell Samantha's own children about that time when Sam was young and had to live off the mountain in a cave or something for a month....................

 

[i'm someone]

Michellesv44 in reading the comment you posted where Sam says “then I fall”....I want to mention something. My nephew is an avid hiker. He spends hours hiking on the weekends. Generally lesser known hiking trails. I had a discussion with him regarding “never hike alone”. I explained my reasoning, including cases I follow here on Websleuths. His answer was very similar. He feels like when it’s his “time to go” - if that happens while hiking - then it’s meant to be. I tried talking about the dangers etc. He basically brushed off my concerns. Disheartening.

You would be shocked how many people are out there hiking for sometimes thousands of miles alone, men, women, even elderly people. Try watching some of the hiker vlogs on Youtube. It's like they are addicted to it. Some of them have sold everything they own, quit their jobs and just hike constantly.

 

[thesaint]

Samantha didn't look all that alone on the video of the hike up the mountain. She may have been on a solo hike but there were many other hikers on that mountain and those trails that day.

Even folks who have hiking buddies on trails with them will end up hiking solo at various times. Differences in fitness, stride, etc make it difficult to hike in lock-step with another person for miles and miles.

 

[PinkPrincessPoop]

I absolutely love hiking - especially winter hiking in the snow and ice, which is particularly dangerous. But even on easy-level hiking paths, I don't think I would ever go alone.

 

[Timekeeper65]

You would be shocked how many people are out there hiking for sometimes thousands of miles alone, men, women, even elderly people. Try watching some of the hiker vlogs on Youtube. It's like they are addicted to it. Some of them have sold everything they own, quit their jobs and just hike constantly.

I am shocked. I had no idea. I love to walk - gotta get my Fitbit steps in every day. Occasionally I will hike. BUT I have a healthy respect for Mother Nature. Websleuths is more than a place for kind, caring, and compassionate folks. It is also a great teaching tool.

 

[zecats]

I absolutely love hiking - especially winter hiking in the snow and ice, which is particularly dangerous. But even on easy-level hiking paths, I don't think I would ever go alone.

I’ve only hiked once by myself and it was a popular mile long trail uphill half way with a vista at the top. Then easier downhill back. I was a bit nervous and made myself do it just to prove I could. And I’ve hiked it many times so was familiar with it. There is a thrill to it and I’m betting Sam was used to this and also skilled at outdoor adventure. .