Tragic Update: Asphyxiation Confirmed as Cause of Death for Missing Sisters

In a tragic development, authorities have disclosed that the three girls who went missing the previous week most likely succumbed to asphyxiation, while the search for their father, who is a suspect, continues.

On Friday (May 30), Whitney Decker reported the disappearance of her three daughters, Olivia, aged five, Evelyn, aged eight, and Paityn, aged nine, who did not come back home after a scheduled visit with their father.

Travis Decker, her ex-spouse, was supposed to return the girls to their residence in Wenatchee, Washington, but he did not show up.

Sadly, authorities have reported that the bodies of the three girls were discovered at Rock Island Campground in Illinois, approximately 40 miles from their home, around 5 p.m. on Monday, June 2.

The girls were discovered near their father’s 2017 white GMC Sierra truck.

The likely cause of the girls’ deaths has been identified as asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report submitted to the Chelan County Superior Court, as reported by Fox 13.

Travis Decker is still on the run and has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, as confirmed by the Wenatchee Police Department, as stated.

A search operation is ongoing to locate the 32-year-old, who picked up the girls from their mother on Friday.

After Whitney expressed her worries to the police regarding her daughters’ safety, she informed them that her desperate calls to Decker went directly to voicemail after he was supposed to return them.

Decker’s truck was subsequently spotted in the western part of Leavenworth, leading to a comprehensive search in the surrounding wooded areas.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, authorities discovered personal belongings including blankets, food, car seats, and a wallet, as well as two bloody handprints, as reported by The NY Post.

Data from the cell phone indicates that the suspect traveled to and from the campsite where the girls were discovered the day before the alleged kidnapping.

Decker is thought to be homeless, residing in his vehicle or at local campsites and hotels with his dog.

His ex-wife, from whom he has been divorced for several years, mentioned that he has shown signs of struggling with his mental health.

Law enforcement has issued a public warning not to approach Decker if he is spotted, as he is considered a ‘significant risk’ due to his military history. It is also unclear if he is armed.

While the public is advised not to confront Decker, police are requesting help in locating him.

He is described as 5 feet 8 inches in height, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

If anyone from the community spots Decker, they are advised to call 911.

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Whitney with expenses and legal fees following the death of her daughters, highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on the family.

The fundraiser has raised over $349,000 at the time of this report, and it indicates that the three girls had a passion for dancing and theater.

The campaign states in part: “We are heartbroken to report that the girls have passed. Their light illuminated so many lives, and the anguish from this loss is beyond measure.”

Contributions to the fundraiser can be made here.

If you have faced a loss and wish to speak to someone confidentially, please reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.

Alternatively, if you or someone you know is in distress or facing a crisis, assistance is available throughMental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can web chat at988lifeline.org. The Crisis Text Line can be contacted by texting MHA to 741741.