Katherine Hammontre Sundquist
The Vanished Podcast
Deep Dive
What happened to Katherine Hammontre Sundquist during her hike in April 2019?
Katherine Hammontre Sundquist went on a hike with friends and her dog, Tootsie, in a national park near San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Due to an injured foot, she stayed behind at a set of pools while the group continued to a waterfall. When they returned, both Katherine and Tootsie had vanished without a trace.
Why did Katherine stay behind during the hike?
Katherine had injured her foot days before the hike, and shortly after starting, she told her friends her foot was hurting. She decided to stay at the first set of pools with her dog while the group continued to the waterfall.
What were the key challenges in the search for Katherine?
The search for Katherine was hindered by the rugged terrain, lack of clear trails, and the absence of any trace of her or her dog. Despite extensive searches involving local authorities, the Mexican military, and volunteers, no evidence of her whereabouts was found.
What role did Katherine's cancer diagnosis play in her disappearance?
Katherine had been diagnosed with cancer a year before her disappearance and had opted against further treatment. Her daughter, Desiree, believes Katherine may have resumed drinking due to her diagnosis, which could have influenced her state of mind and decisions leading up to the hike.
What theories exist about Katherine's disappearance?
Theories include foul play by her husband Warren, involvement of nearby marijuana farmers, or that Katherine chose to disappear due to her cancer diagnosis. Others speculate she may have gotten lost in the wilderness, though no evidence supports any of these theories.
Why is Tootsie's disappearance significant?
Tootsie’s disappearance alongside Katherine is unusual because dogs often reappear after such incidents. The absence of any trace of Tootsie, including feces or signs of a struggle, has led to questions about whether both were taken or met with foul play.
What was Katherine's relationship with her husband Warren like before her disappearance?
Katherine and Warren had recently broken up and reconciled. They had an argument days before the hike, and Katherine had moved her belongings out of Warren’s house temporarily. Their relationship was described as calm but with underlying tensions, particularly around Warren’s drinking habits.
What did the surveillance footage at Warren's house reveal?
The footage showed Katherine and Warren preparing for the hike. Katherine made a cryptic comment about not being found if she got bitten by a snake, which her daughter, Desiree, continues to question as a potential hidden message.
What efforts has Desiree made to find her mother?
Desiree traveled to San Felipe to aid in the search, contacted authorities, and worked with local volunteers. She has also used social media to keep her mother’s story alive and continues to seek answers, despite the case being officially closed.
What is the current status of Katherine's case?
As of 2024, Katherine’s case remains unsolved. The investigation was closed, and despite Desiree’s efforts to reopen it, no new leads or evidence have emerged. The mystery of her disappearance continues to haunt her family and friends.
Shownotes Transcript