Award-winning journalist Lou Raguse revisited this story of tragedy and shambolic police investigation in his new book Vanished In Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota’s Most Infamous Cold Case. For the book, Raguse spoke at length with the families of the two girls, and Pam’s surviving relatives told him of their mixed emotions about Oscar dying five days before Pam’s fate was confirmed.
Despite the heartbreak and devastation of losing their daughter, Pam’s parents led long and happy lives, even celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary together. They were very spiritual people and were able to find peace and happiness despite the tragedy that befell their family. The family believes that had Oscar known that Pam was just 100 yards away from where they had been searching for her, it might have completely broken him. They also believe that if he had found out about her fate in his old age, it would have ruined him.
After years of investigation, the deaths of Sherri and Pam were ruled accidental. There was no suspicion of foul play or evidence of drugs or alcohol. One of the car’s tires was damaged, and investigators believe that a blowout may have caused it as the girls crossed a bridge over the creek.
The families of the two girls released a brief statement upon their remains being identified: “Our Journey Is Done.” The story of Pam and Sherri’s disappearance and the decades-long search for them is a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact that a tragic loss can have on a family.
