Cause of Death Released in Tragic Case of Three Sisters Missing During Planned Visit with Their Father

Wenatchee, WA – A tragic update has emerged in the heartbreaking case of three young sisters who were found dead earlier this week after vanishing during a planned visitation with their father.

Paityn Decker (9), Evelyn Decker (8), and Olivia Decker (5) were last seen on May 30, and their bodies were discovered on Monday, June 2. According to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, their likely cause of death was asphyxiation, as reported by Fox 13 Seattle.

Father Remains Missing as Authorities Issue Murder Charges

Their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, remains missing and is now the subject of an intensive manhunt. The Wenatchee Police Department confirmed the girls’ deaths after Decker’s 2017 white GMC Sierra pickup truck was found near Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, but Decker himself was not located at the scene.

Decker has since been formally charged with:

• Three counts of first-degree murder

• One count of kidnapping

• In addition to previous custodial interference charges

Police describe Decker as a former military member who may be dangerous if approached. “It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed, but he may pose a significant risk,” authorities warned.

Evidence Points to Premeditation

Fox 13 reports that Decker’s vehicle was found near the bodies with two bloody handprints nearby. Inside the truck were personal belongings, including:

• Blankets

• Car seats

• Food supplies

• A wallet on the center console

A tent and cooler were discovered nearby, suggesting the campsite had been recently used. Additionally, cell phone data revealed Decker had visited the same campground the day prior to the girls’ disappearance, raising suspicions of premeditation.

Timeline of Events

• May 30: The girls were reported missing after failing to return home from their scheduled visitation with their father.

• May 31: A statewide endangered missing person alert was issued by Washington State Patrol.

• June 2: The alert was canceled after the discovery of the girls’ bodies.

At the time of the disappearance, police said that Decker was believed to be homeless, living out of his vehicle or in temporary accommodations, including campgrounds and motels.

Authorities also stated that while the visitation was part of a legal parenting plan, Decker’s deviation from the agreed-upon terms raised immediate concern.

Community in Mourning: GoFundMe Surpasses $340K

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the girls’ mother, Whitney Decker, has raised over $347,000 toward its $380,000 goal. Organizer Amy Edwards, a family friend, shared a heartfelt tribute:

“We are heartbroken to share that the girls have since passed. The pain of this loss is immeasurable. I’ve known Whitney for years—we’re both dance moms and theater friends—and I’ve had the privilege of teaching her girls. These funds will help cover funeral costs and give Whitney the space to grieve without financial pressure.”

Ongoing Investigation

Officials are urging the public to report any information related to Travis Decker’s whereabouts. The Chelan County Superior Court and coroner’s office have not yet issued an official statement regarding the cause of death.

The case remains under active investigation.

In Loving Memory

Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia will be remembered for their vibrant spirits and the joy they brought to those around them. As their community mourns this devastating loss, support continues to pour in for their grieving family.