What Happened to Sheila Kearns? Mount Rainier National Park
Summary
Hosts Cassie and Danielle revisit Mount Rainier National Park to tell the tragic, unsolved story of Sheila Kearns, a seasonal worker who vanished in 1996. They explore the mystery surrounding her disappearance, the subsequent discovery of her remains, and the decades-long investigation led by local journalist Dixie Walter. The episode also critiques a new Department of the Interior policy restricting staff from disclosing deaths in national parks, questioning its impact on public safety and transparency.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Mount Rainier and the phrase 'The Mountain Is Out'
Hosts introduce themselves and their personal connections to the park
The story of Sheila Kearns: her life, work, and disappearance in 1996
The search for Sheila and the discovery of her remains
Sponsors: HelloFresh and Quince
Investigation theories: Wildlife attack vs. human involvement
FBI investigation details and lack of definitive evidence
Dixie Walter's reporting and belief that Sheila was murdered
Sponsors: Pacca Apparel and DSW
Modern coverage of the case by Unsolved Northwest
Discussion on NPS policy regarding disclosure of deaths in parks
Other unsolved disappearances in Mount Rainier National Park
Conclusion, final thoughts, and sponsor credits
Listen ad-free on Castria