They were last seen heading back to Portland after a stop in Hood River. Their house was left exactly as they had left it, with unfinished chores and money untouched in the bank.

Months later, tire tracks matching their car were found leading off a cliff into the Columbia River. A possible piece of their car was briefly snagged by a river rig before breaking free. Then, Susan and Virginia’s bodies were found downstream; they had drowned, though the exact cause was unclear due to decomposition. Virginia’s body had a head wound. Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie were never found.

Police investigated two possibilities: an accident where the car went over the cliff, or a deliberate act. The lead detective, Walter Graven, suspected foul play. He focused on the family’s oldest son, Donald, who was in the Navy at the time and had a strained relationship with his family. A bloodstained gun linked to Donald was found, but never fully investigated. Donald’s lack of involvement in the search raised suspicion.

Despite attempts to search the river, the investigation was ultimately closed. Graven and Donald both later passed away, leaving the mystery of Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie’s disappearance unsolved. Barbie was a high school freshman when she disappeared.