On October 2, 1966, Pamela Ann Nater, age 20, disappeared while on a picnic with the Aquaholics, a skin-diving club, at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, Florida. Pamela and her friend Nancy Leichner were last seen walking into the woods along a nature trail. Their personal belongings, including purses and shoes, were left behind at a picnic table, raising immediate concern when they failed to return. Despite an extensive search covering 15 square miles, no trace of the women was ever found.
Both women were strong swimmers, and it was ruled out that they might have drowned in the nearby swampy area, as they did not plan to swim due to cold water temperatures. Their boyfriends, who were present during the outing, were not considered suspects in the case.
In 2007, authorities concluded that convicted serial killer Gerard John Schaefer was likely responsible for their disappearances. Schaefer, a former law enforcement officer, had been implicated in the deaths of numerous young women. Although never charged in connection with Pamela and Nancy’s cases, evidence including a witness account and a jailhouse confession pointed to his involvement. Schaefer was killed in prison in 1995, and Pamela’s case remains officially unsolved.
Last Seen: Oct 02, 1966
