Bethany Collins Buckles Part 1: Thanksgiving
The Vanished Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Jolinda report Bethany as missing?
Jolinda reported Bethany as missing after she failed to hear from her daughter, discovered her dog locked inside the condo without food or water, and found no signs of Bethany or her car at the residence.
What was the last known location of Bethany before she disappeared?
The last known location of Bethany was in the South Asheville area, where she spent most of her time before her disappearance. She also made a transaction at a convenience store on the east side of town around 5 a.m.
What was the condition of Bethany's car when it was found?
Bethany's car, a black Toyota hatchback, was found abandoned in a grocery store parking lot in Swannanoa, North Carolina, about 10 miles from her condo. The car had been there for about two weeks and was parked in an area not covered by security cameras.
How did Bethany's mental health issues affect her life?
Bethany struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety, which impacted her relationships, career, and overall stability. She had periods of improvement but also experienced significant setbacks, including substance abuse and homelessness.
What was Bethany's relationship with her father like?
Bethany had a deep bond with her father, who passed away when she was 11 years old. His death had a profound impact on her, leading to significant emotional struggles and a decline in her mental health.
What was Bethany's career before she disappeared?
Before her disappearance, Bethany worked part-time from home as a writer, creating content for websites. She also had experience working with children, including as a river guide and in after-school programs.
How did the pandemic affect Bethany's social life?
The pandemic exacerbated Bethany's isolation, limiting her social interactions and making it harder for her to connect with others. This isolation likely contributed to her mental health struggles.
What was the reaction of people who knew Bethany before her disappearance?
Those who knew Bethany before her disappearance were shocked by the news of her disappearance and the stories of her panhandling. They struggled to reconcile the Bethany they knew—a bright, caring, and ambitious person—with the person described in the news.
What was Jolinda's fear about the police's response to Bethany's disappearance?
Jolinda feared that the police might not take Bethany's disappearance seriously due to her mental health issues and past behavior, which had led to her being labeled as a
What was the significance of the Swannanoa area in relation to Bethany's disappearance?
Swannanoa, where Bethany's car was found and where she attended college, became a key area of interest in the investigation. Her phone last pinged in the Swannanoa area, and her car was abandoned there, suggesting a possible connection to her disappearance.
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