Three sisters passed away after visiting their father!

WENATCHEE, WASHINGTON — What began as a normal custody visit has turned into one of the most heartbreaking cases to ever shake Chelan County. Three young sisters — Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5 — were tragically found near Rock Island Campground after spending a weekend with their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker. Authorities have since launched a nationwide search, describing Decker as armed, dangerous, and possibly attempting to flee the country.

For the small, close-knit community of Wenatchee, this case has left deep scars — not only for the loss of three innocent children but for the questions it raises about how such a tragedy could have been prevented.

A Visit That Should Have Been Safe
On May 30, 2025, Travis Decker arrived at his ex-wife Whitney’s home to pick up their daughters for a scheduled court-approved visit. He was supposed to return them by 8 p.m. that evening. When he didn’t, and calls went unanswered, Whitney’s mother’s intuition told her something was terribly wrong.

Police were alerted immediately. What started as concern quickly turned into a desperate search as investigators uncovered signs that Travis had been struggling emotionally in the months leading up to the visit. Records revealed he was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had shown signs of instability following his military service.

The Search That Shook a Town
By the next morning, officers, volunteers, and neighbors began scouring the rural areas surrounding Wenatchee. Helicopters hovered above, search dogs combed through the woods, and flyers with the girls’ photos appeared across town. For two long days, hope pushed everyone forward.

Then, on June 2, a hiker made a discovery that shattered that hope.

The Discovery at Rock Island Campground
A 2017 white GMC Sierra — Travis’s truck — was found abandoned near Rock Island Campground. Inside were his wallet, phone, and personal items. Nearby, search teams found the three young sisters.