In the winter of 1994, a sense of unease settled over Bellingham, Washington, following the disappearance of 23-year-old Samantha Ham. On the evening of Friday, January 21st, Samantha, a female with blond or strawberry hair and hazel eyes, was with her roommate, Korina Rodriguez, and two brothers, Timothy and Frankie Braddy. The group of four was last seen at a party in Bellingham. They reportedly mentioned to someone that they were intending to go rock climbing.
However, it is believed their plans took a different and more dangerous turn. Authorities suspect that the four individuals stole two 12-foot skiffs from a property on Chuckanut Bay for a late-night joyride on the water.
The days that followed brought a series of discoveries that painted a grim picture. A car that had been loaned to the Braddy brothers by their sister was found abandoned on Chuckanut Shore Road. This location was near the residence from which the two skiffs were reported stolen. A significant break in the search came on January 26th, when one of the stolen skiffs washed ashore in Teddy Bear Cove, situated at the northern end of Chuckanut Bay. Adding to the ominous findings, a jacket, believed to belong to either Samantha or Korina, was discovered submerged in the water nearby. These discoveries led investigators to fear that the group had encountered trouble in the rough and unforgiving waters of the bay.
Despite extensive search efforts by the Coast Guard and local authorities, no further trace of Samantha Ham, Korina Rodriguez, or the Braddy brothers has ever been found. The case remains a painful mystery for their families and the community. While some hold onto a sliver of hope that they might have survived and are out there somewhere, the prevailing belief is that they were victims of a tragic accident on the water that night. The investigation has since been scaled back, but the four are still officially listed as missing persons, their unresolved disappearance a haunting reminder of a night that ended in tragedy and unanswered questions.Last Seen: Jan 21, 1994
