(Fremont County, WY) – The Fremont County Coroner’s Office shared today, August 31, that a barrel recently discovered at the bottom of Fremont Lake that was believed to possibly contain the remains of victims in a murder case dating back to 1980, ultimately contained “only a small amount of lake-bottom sediment,” with no signs of any human remains.
The barrel was believed to possibly contain the remains of Virginia Uden and her two sons, Richard and Reagan, who were murdered by her ex-husband, Gerald Uden, back in 1980. Gerald was convicted of their murders in 2013 and, at that time, reportedly told the Court that he disposed of Virginia, Richard, and Reagan’s bodies by “placing them in metal barrels and dumping them into Fremont Lake near Pinedale.” Gerald was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. The story went on to garner national attention.
Recent efforts were organized by Bill Dohse, president of the Cody-based Organized Search and Rescue (O-SAR) outfit (with assistance and recovery coverage from Gillette nonprofit WyoFind and various agencies), when his crew discovered a barrel in Fremont Lake, Wyoming’s second-largest natural lake and the 7th deepest lake in the country at 610 feet.
Following the eventual recovery of the barrel and subsequent investigation, however, no remains were found.
“Following the recent recovery of a 35-gallon metal barrel from Fremont Lake, this office conducted a thorough examination of the recovered drum,” Fremont County Coroner Erin Ivie said in today’s release. “After careful forensic inspection, no human remains were found contained within the barrel. The drum contained only a small amount of lake-bottom sediment and was otherwise empty.”
Ivie went on to express gratitude to the “numerous individuals, agencies, organizations, and communities who have devoted their time, expertise, equipment, and resources to the ongoing search and recovery effort for Virginia, Richard, and Reagan Uden.”
“The recovery effort has involved an extraordinary level of cooperation and dedication from volunteers, search and rescue teams, Fremont County and Sublette County personnel, and countless others who have contributed in ways both large and small. Their professionalism, perseverance, and willingness to assist have been invaluable throughout this effort. This is a true testament to the strength of our communities.”
Ivie added that the Coroner’s Office “remains committed to assisting in any ongoing recovery efforts to bring the Uden family home and provide closure to their loved ones and to the community.”
“Should additional recovery operations be undertaken, the Coroner’s Office will participate and provide whatever assistance is appropriate within its role and capabilities. Our thoughts remain with the Uden family and everyone who has been affected by this situation. We will continue to stand ready to assist in the effort to bring the family home and help provide the answers and closure that their loved ones and our community deserve.”