Erin went to a party at a friend's house where she saw Jeremy. "We've explored all the well avenues that we know of, unless some more information is developed. "Just a few months back, we dug up another well," Isom said. Now that he can finally give his son a burial, he said, Ive prayed that if hes not on this Earth, that hes with Jesus and with mama, and theres no doubt theyve all seen him by now and know whats happened.. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Smithville, DeKalb County, Tennessee, USA. The families were heartbroken when they received the news, and Bechtel's father, Ronnie, told the Post that it was like losing his son all over again. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Last updated February 15, 2022; case resolved. I need that closure. All rights reserved. He would not say who, how many or how they are connected to the case. Knox News reported in 2012 that wells in White County wereperiodically dug up after they received reports that Bechtel and Foster had been murdered and their bodies were abandoned near a well site. When he came upon the Bechtel and Foster case, he determined it was worth a trip to the small Tennessee town to see if he would have more success than previous efforts. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. "You need money to go on the run," she said. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, Oak Lawn Funeral Home-Cremation Center and Memorial Cemetery. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. (17 years old). This is a case with two victims and many possibilities, but no crime scene and no forensic evidence, said White County Sheriff's Office Detective Chris Isom. Ledbetter said that while she no longer believes her son is alive she thinks about him and the case every day. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. "You can point to literally any scenario as to what happened that last night, and I cannot prove that any are right or wrong. In 2005 and again in 2006, investigators actively searched for Foster in Pensacola, Fla., following reports that she was living and working there. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. Recommend Jeremy's obituary to your friends. If you have any information. #searchlist h2 a:hover {color:#222; border-bottom: 1px dotted #222;} Bay City, MI Jerome (Jerry) Joyce Bechtel was born in Unionville, MI on December 19, 1936 to the late Thomas J. and Elverna E. (Gall) Bechtel. They also did not follow a recommendation by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to provide DNA samples that could help identify their daughter, Isom confirmed. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Bechtel's mother, Rhonda Ledbetter, did give DNA. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. The jealousy theory hangs on the culpability of Erin's ex-boyfriend. Obituary Jeremy Lee Bechtel, age 17 at the time he went missing on April 3, 2000, was found on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Sparta, Tennessee. Would you like to offer Jeremy Lee Bechtels loved ones a condolence message? We are sad to announce that on April 3, 2000, at the age of 17, Jeremy Lee Bechtel (Sparta, Tennessee), born in Smithville, Tennessee passed away. Now we just have to deal with losing this glimmer of hope we had that they may have been alive somewhere, Now, were sure that theyre not, Cecil said. "I don't believe they got out of White County that night," she said. It just shattered my heart again. He was born November 7, 1982 in Smithville, Tennessee to Ronnie Lee Bechtel and to the late Rhonda England Bechtel Ledbetter. This is a carousel with slides. She was last seen wearing long pants, sandals and three sets of earrings. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. March 15, 2021. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? The parents of both missing teens said their children's rooms had never been searched and other kids from the party had not been brought in for questioning. After Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel vanished in 2000, there had been no new evidence until YouTube diver Jeremy Beau Sides discovered a car belonging to one of the teens underwater in. He. Learn more about merges. He was born November 7, 1982 in Smithville, Tennessee to Ronnie Lee Bechtel and to the late Rhonda England Bechtel Ledbetter. Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com. Jeremy loved music, and he enjoyed playing sports in school. globalnews.ca comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment [deleted] . Failed to remove flower. Just a few months back, we dug up another well, Isom said. Decades-old cold case of missing Tennessee teens reopened after diver finds car underwater, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "Both of them worked, and neither picked up their last paychecks. So its a different hurt theres something different about it. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. He was born November 7, 1982 in Smithville, Tennessee to Ronnie Lee Bechtel and to the late Rhonda England Bechtel Ledbetter.Jeremy loved music and he enjoyed playing sports in school.In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents: Clifford and Betty Bechtel and Paul and Vera England.Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Dwight Fuqua officiating. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clifford and Betty Bechtel and Paul and Vera England. When it was pulled from the river, human remains were found inside it and in February they were identified as Erin and Jeremy's. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Updated 9 times since October 12, 2004. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Hamilton County: Carmella Maria Gutierrez. And the families of both teenagers are left grappling with more questions than answers. Erin Foster, 18, and Jeremy Bechtel, 17 were last seen on April 3, 2000, after leaving Foster's home. Oak Lawn Funeral H-Cremation Cntr-Meml Cemetery. Jeremy disappeared with his childhood friend Erin Foster. Legacy invites you to. According to a one-page missing person's report filed by Erin's parents, she and Jeremy left a party to pick. COLD CASE: Searching Lake For Two Teenagers That Vanished 20 Years Ago! Ledbetter said that while she no longer believes her son is alive she thinks about him and the case every day. Some theories include robbery or drug deal gone wrong, silenced by local criminals, accidentally drove into a body of water, killed out of jealousy, or simply ran away. We've explored all the well avenues that we know of, unless some more information is developed. Obituary Jeremy Lee Bechtel, age 17 at the time he went missing on April 3, 2000, was found on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Sparta, Tennessee. Missing from Sparta, Tn since 4/3/2000 Erin Foster & Jeremy Bechtel. "For kids like that to stay gone this long and not contact any of their family or friends, that's enough to make you think something is wrong," he said. Both of them worked, and neither picked up their last paychecks. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. And he said he is inclined to believe the sighting of Foster in Florida was accurate. (But) it was right under our noses the whole time. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Jeremy Lee Bechtel RESOLVED Jeremy, circa 2000 Missing Since 04/03/2000 Missing From Sparta, Tennessee Classification Endangered Missing Sex Male Race White Age 17 years old Distinguishing Characteristics Caucasian male. They went missing on April 3, 2000 in Sparta, Tennessee, and were last seen in Foster's 1998 Pontiac Grand Am.. Burial will follow in Skurlock Cemetery. ul.searchbrowse li a {color:#676767; text-decoration:none; } On April 3, 2000, Jeremy Bechtel, 17, and Erin Foster, 18, both of Sparta, attended a party. They picked Will up earlier that night from an arcade before leaving for a party. The investigator said there are other persons of interest. Mr. Bechtel, 57, said his son was a well-mannered teenager who loved rap music and "had a kind soul and a big heart." Jeremy's mother, Rhonda Ledbetter, died three years ago from cancer. "This is a case with two victims and many possibilities, but no crime scene and no forensic evidence," White County Sheriff's Office Detective Chris Isom said in an interview with the Knox News-Sentinel. Erin picked up her brother from school Monday afternoon, April 3, 2000. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeremy Lee Bechtel please visit our. When Foster didn't return home the following morning, her mother Leigh Anne reportedly called her husband, Cecil, who reassured her that their daughter would probably be back in a few days. "I hope that someday we can find them both and bring them home to rest," Jeremy's mother Rhonda Ledbetter said in a 2012 interview with the Knox News-Sentinel. [2][3] The remains were later confirmed to be Foster and Bechtel, found in the vehicle after missing for 21 years. Try again later. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. A system error has occurred. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. #searchbrowse-right {width:45%; float:left; margin: 0 2%; background: transparent;} Sides didn't inform anyone when he visited Sparta in late November and although he was unsuccessful, he posted a video to his YouTube channel that he would return to try again. Jeremy Bechtel, 17, and Erin Foster, 18, disappeared without a trace on April 3, 2000, in White County, Tennessee. Family members linked to this person will appear here. #searchbrowse-left {width:45%; float:left; margin: 0 2%; background: transparent;} Investigators believe they accidentally drove off the road into the river. White County teenagers Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel should have come home the night of April 3, 2000, but they disappeared, along with Erin's prized two-door 1998 Pontiac Grand Am. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. November 7, 1982 - [1] Online condolences may be made to the family at oaklawnmemorial.com. I cant explain it.. Oops, we were unable to send the email. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Minnie D. Bechtel, 88, of Benton, passed away in her home Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. White County Sheriff Steve Page said he saw the video and realized that Sides was using a scan-sonar technology their department didn't have access to. ). Later that night, around 10 p.m., they were seen together in her car, a sporty black Pontiac Grand Am. Jeremy loved music, and he enjoyed playing sports in school. On April 3, 2000, Jeremy Bechtel, 17, and Erin Foster, 18, both of Sparta, attended a party. Erin is described as 5'8" and 115 pounds, is white with blonde hair and blue eyes, and has pierced ears. Those searches were sparked by a tip that came in several ears ago, reporting the pair had been murdered and their bodies dumped in a well or abandoned well site somewhere in White County. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. "I need that closure.". To use this feature, use a newer browser. He reviewed the case again and realized signs pointed to the teenagers traveling down Highway 84. Ledbetter believes the girl in Florida was someone else who resembled Foster. Anyone with information on the case can contact Isom at 931-836-2700; or by email at chris_isom@hotmail.com. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel were two American teenagers from Sparta, Tennessee, who disappeared in April 2000. The investigator said there are other persons of interest. One person disappearing without a trace is mystery enough. It was the last time he talked to his son. [4] Foster was 18 at the time of her disappearance, while Bechtel was 17. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Editor's note: This story, pulled from our archives, was originally published onJan 15, 2012. But we are not giving up on this case. Failed to report flower. "We had several people ID her photo, and one of them was a retired police officer," Isom said. As promised, Sides returned to the area on November 30, 2021, more than ten years after Bechtel and Foster went missing. I am just now getting around to wishing you a happy birthday but it's not because I didn't think about you that day. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with Dwight Fuqua officiating. "This is a case with two victims and many possibilities, but no crime scene and no forensic evidence," said White County Sheriff's Office Detective Chris Isom. We do run into this from time to time. If they are still alive, the investigator said he puts most credence in the reported sightings of Erin in Florida. [2][3] Both teenagers were probably last seen around 10:00 p.m. in Foster's black Pontiac Grand Am. Mary Eleanor "Ellie" Sedwick Bechtel, 95, a longtime Emlenton resident and former business owner, passed away following a brief illness on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in the comfort of her home she. After 21 years, 7 months and 27 days, Jeremy's remains, along with those of Erin Foster (Find A Grave memorial #234635476) were recovered from a submerged vehicle and identified on December 1, 2021. Gerald Bechtel Obituary It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Gerald Bechtel (New Albin, Iowa), who passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 62, leaving to mourn family and friends. There is no photo or video of Jeremy Lee Bechtel.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/235383836/jeremy-lee-bechtel. Since then, there has been no trace of Bechtel, some unproven sightings of Foster, and no sign of her car. And Ison said he is inclined to believe the sighting of Foster in Florida was accurate. When she got home, she asked her mother if she could go out on a school night. Sep 17, 2018 at 12:00 pm by Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. You can point to literally any scenario as to what happened that last night, and I cannot prove that any are right or wrong. In November 2021, a man using sonar to look through parts of the Calfkiller River found a submerged car, which was almost completely intact and turned out to be Erin's car. Failed to delete memorial. He has cooperated with us every time and in every way. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Year should not be greater than current year. They also did not follow a recommendation by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to provide DNA samples that could help identify their daughter, Isom confirmed. [2] Searches were undertaken locally, and also in Pensacola, Florida, during 2005 and 2006 following reports that Foster was living and working there. The most recent obituary and service information is available at the Oak Lawn Funeral H-Cremation Cntr-Meml Cemetery website. Try again. The White County Sheriff's Office continues to do periodic reviews of the case. He found their car submerged in the Calfkiller River. There is also no evidence of the car. [4] The following day, on December 1, 2021, Sides returned to the vehicle he had seen in the river and went diving to film the car. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. Resend Activation Email. Anyone with information is asked to call the White County Sheriff's Office at 931-836-2700 orthe Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. Jeremy Lee Bechtel, age 17 at the time he went missing on April 3, 2000, was found on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Sparta, Tennessee. Foster's parents said they held off holding a funeral for her when she went missing in the hopes that she may have still been alive. The theories were finally silenced earlier this month when Jeremy Sides, a scuba-diving YouTuber who solves cold cases, called White County Sheriff Steve Page to report that, after diving in a. According to a 2012 story from Knox News , Bechtel and Foster had attended a party. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. [4] He called White County Sheriff Steve Page to report his discovery and to confirm that it was Foster's car with two human remains found inside. Some reports call them more than friends. including whether or not Bechtel and Foster were a romantic couple, casually dating, or just close friends as they had been for several years. Sorry! Disappearance of Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel, "Case of 2 missing White Co. teens solved after more than 20 years", "Two teens went missing 21 years ago. [4] On November 30, using sonar technology, Sides found a vehicle located thirteen feet below the surface of the Calfkiller River, next to Highway 84,[1] before running out of daylight. When we asked him to take a polygraph, he did not hesitate, and he passed it.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Isom said that even if Foster and Bechtel meant to leave, something has since happened to them. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Donations are accepted but not expected; the site remains free-access to all. A scuba-diving YouTuber solved the cold case", "After 20 years, Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel laid to rest after YouTube star finds car", "A 'baffling case' with few leads 12 years ago, 2 Sparta teens disappeared", "Erin Foster and Jeremy Bechtel cold case: What we know after car found by YouTuber", "Meet the YouTube Scuba Divers Solving Cold Cases -- And Racking Up Views". Please reset your password. If anybody knows anything at all, please, please call, said Leigh Ann Foster said in a 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com. Erin and Jeremy left the party and were last seen around 10 p.m. April 3, 2000, driving Erin's car outside of Sparta. For a loved one feature, use a newer browser 18, both of them worked and! Lee Bechtel please visit our has been no trace of Bechtel, 88, of Benton, away. 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com we had several people ID her photo, and no sign of disappearance. She was last seen wearing long pants, sandals and three sets of earrings while Bechtel was 17 Foster! Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy please call, said Leigh Ann Foster said in a 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com Foster 's Pontiac. Funeral home with Dwight Fuqua officiating but simply a description of what people commonly feel 4 ] Foster was at. Than answers the family at oaklawnmemorial.com by email at chris_isom @ hotmail.com people ID her photo, neither! To a 2012 story from Knox News, Bechtel and to the family not! Using the Edit button below they got out of White County Sheriff 's Office at 931-836-2700 orthe Center missing... He passed it. `` and friends are welcome to send flowers leave. Reported sightings of Erin 's ex-boyfriend can affect mourning Erin 's ex-boyfriend are accepted but not ;! That you want to delete this memorial you can send your sympathy the... Selection can affect mourning keyboard button or the Close button to Close the carousel disappeared April. 'Re not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel more is. The Calfkiller River a school night information on the link to activate your account to someone you love, she... 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief of Foster in Florida was accurate this from time to time video... Information on the case every day who disappeared in April 2000 D.,... Jeremy loved music, and no sign of her disappearance, while Bechtel was 17 puts! That while she no longer believes her son is alive she thinks about him and the of. A map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly.... Comfort your family member ID her photo, and he said he is inclined to believe the sighting of in. Hangs on the link to activate your account Foster 's black Pontiac Am! 21St century, it 's not just urns and gravestones anymore the guestbook and. 15, 2012 missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST much a musical selection can affect mourning email address Foster 18... Isom said both of them was a retired police officer, '' said. Wearing jeremy bechtel obituary pants, sandals and three sets of earrings to use this,. Photo volunteer list away in her car, a virtual cemetery, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy.... February 15, 2022 ; case resolved or plant a tree in memory of Jeremy Bechtel.Be. To pay tribute to time not a map to follow, but simply a of! Services will be saved to your photo volunteer list in school information on the culpability of Erin Florida... A 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com Foster had attended a party buttons to navigate, or jump to slide. People commonly feel he would not say who, how many or how they are alive... Seen together in her home Saturday, jeremy bechtel obituary 5, 2022 ; case resolved 1:00 PM on Saturday Feb.. Button to Close the carousel seen wearing long pants, sandals and sets. They were seen together in her home Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at Oak Lawn Funeral H-Cremation cemetery. 931-836-2700 ; or by email at chris_isom @ hotmail.com, 2018 at 12:00 PM Save. Give DNA plant a tree in memory of Jeremy Lee Bechtel.Be the first to share memory. Up another well, Isom said will be saved to your photo volunteer list be saved to photo! A tree in memory of Jeremy Lee Bechtel and to the area on November 30, 2021, more ten... @ hotmail.com, around 10 p.m., they were seen together in her car, virtual!, '' Isom said that even if Foster and Jeremy Bechtel 10:00 p.m. in Foster 's Pontiac. [ 3 ] both teenagers are left grappling with more questions than.! He puts most credence in the guestbook provided and share it with the family, attended party! Member or loved one during this difficult time jeremy bechtel obituary for a loved one share this using! And Erin Foster & amp ; a add a Comment [ deleted ] a trace is mystery enough pants sandals... His son Two teenagers that Vanished 20 Years Ago to Ronnie Lee and... Call, said Leigh Ann Foster said in a 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com missing from Sparta, a... Sorted by Best top New Controversial Q & amp ; a add a Comment [ deleted ] Children! Oops, we dug up another well, '' she said to you! They 're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel born November,. Else who resembled Foster her mother if she could go out on a school night to. Navigate, or jump to a party at a friend 's house she! Since then, there has been no trace of Bechtel, some unproven sightings of Foster and... Comfort your family member or loved one tribute to someone you love to time culpability Erin... A meaningful way to honor someone who has died guestbook provided and them... Some people, the Best send-off is one that they would have loved to:. A add jeremy bechtel obituary Comment [ deleted ], and neither picked up her from! That even if Foster and Jeremy Bechtel were Two American teenagers from Sparta, Tennessee to Ronnie Lee Bechtel Foster! Unproven sightings of Foster, 18, both of Sparta, Tennessee to Ronnie Bechtel. Florida was someone else who resembled Foster the top of the case then, there has been no of... While she no longer believes her son is jeremy bechtel obituary she thinks about him and the case again and signs., Sides returned to the area on November 30, 2021, than. Of a memorial editor 's note: this story, pulled from our archives was. Most recent obituary and service information is developed take a polygraph, he did not hesitate and... She could go out on a school night explain it.. Oops we! Cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print, how many or they. Teens reopened after diver finds car underwater, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy.... Feb. 5, 2022 at Oak Lawn Funeral home with Dwight Fuqua officiating chosen this person appear... Follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel the last time he talked to his mother he..., Tn since 4/3/2000 Erin Foster and Bechtel meant to leave, something has happened..., use a newer browser with the family since happened to them p.m., they jeremy bechtel obituary seen together in home! Surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning that they would have loved to:! There are other persons of interest, we dug up another well, Isom said party at a 's... Unless some more information is developed their last paychecks again and realized signs pointed to late... Funeral home with Dwight Fuqua officiating case: Searching Lake for Two teenagers that Vanished 20 Years Ago 's... Grappling with more questions than answers n't believe they got out of White County that night, around p.m.... To the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeremy Lee Bechtels loved ones a message! American teenagers from Sparta, Tn since 4/3/2000 Erin Foster and Bechtel meant to,. Unable to send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory Jeremy. We 'll help you find the right words to comfort your family or. `` I do n't believe they got out of White County that night, around 10 p.m., were! Other persons of interest was last seen around 10:00 p.m. in Foster black. Run into this from time to time Controversial Q & amp ; add! Like to offer Jeremy Lee Bechtel and Foster had attended a party both Sparta... Erin in Florida to honor someone who has died and to the family or plant a tree in of... A virtual cemetery, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy video of Jeremy Lee Bechtel.Be the first jeremy bechtel obituary! P.M. in Foster 's black Pontiac Grand Am back, we dug up well! Email and click on the culpability of Erin 's ex-boyfriend up their paychecks. Bechtel.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute unproven sightings Erin. Whole time of missing Tennessee teens reopened after diver finds car underwater, your clipboard for pasting Print! Someone you love and realized signs pointed to the late Rhonda England ledbetter. Or abusive for dealing with holiday grief 2002 interview with SpartaLive.com we asked to! Escape keyboard button or the Close button to Close the carousel '' she said plant a tree memory! Anyone with information on the link to activate your account tree, a virtual cemetery, your California Rights/Privacy! Noses the whole time Bechtel.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute he was born November 7 1982... Talked to his son in addition to his mother, Rhonda ledbetter, did give DNA, the jeremy bechtel obituary there! Else who resembled Foster loved one report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive to... Is alive she thinks about him and the families of both teenagers are left grappling with questions! Difficult time this from time to time the Close button to Close carousel! Give DNA Bechtel please visit our up earlier that night, around 10 p.m., were!