Community unites for Whitney Decker after unthinkable loss

WENATCHEE — Tragedy has united the community in support of Whitney Decker, the mother of Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker, the three sisters recently found deceased near the Rock Island campground in Leavenworth after being reported missing. The girls were initially reported missing following a parental visitation on May 30 when their father, 32-year-old Travis Decker, did not return them home as expected.

Since that time, organizer Amy Edwards has mounted a GoFundMe campaign for the girls’ mother. That fundraiser has shattered records for anything the Wenatchee Valley has ever seen in such an effort, with over $1 million raised so far in just a few days. Contributions to the fundraiser can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-whitney-decker.

Thursday afternoon, Edwards and family friend Mark Belton held a press conference regarding the fundraiser and what it has meant to them and to Whitney Decker.

“To our community, the Wenatchee Valley, thank you,” said Belton. “The outpouring of love, generosity, and support has been overwhelming, not only here in the Wenatchee Valley, but from the communities around the world. We are deeply moved and profoundly grateful. Seeing everyone come together and unite in support of this family has been humbling and reminds us of what makes the Wenatchee Valley so special. That compassion has been a source of light in this dark hour.”

Speaking directly about the girls, Edwards said. “This valley helped nurture the creativity, confidence and joy that Paityn, and Evelyn, and Olivia shined so brightly. Whether it was performing on stage with the Short Shakespeareans and Music Theater of Wenatchee, dancing with the Fabulous Feet Dance Studio, playing sports or walking the halls of Lincoln Elementary, their laughter, curiosity and spirit left a mark on all of us. They were the kind of children that everyone rooted for, looked forward to seeing and held close in their hearts. They are cherished.”

Belton and Edwards jointly said a few words about the girls’ mother and asked for gentleness and space from media inquiries. “Whitney is living every parent’s worst nightmare. The hole in her heart is immeasurable. There are no words that can capture the weight of this loss. Right now she is surrounded by friends, family and neighbors doing everything they can to hold her up,” Belton said. “To the media, we ask for grace at this time,” said Edwards. “Whitney is grieving the unimaginable. She should not have to do so under a spotlight. Please allow her the space and privacy and compassion she deserves. Your restraint is a true act of humanity, and we appreciate it.”

The two went on to assure the public that they have been cooperating fully with law enforcement and doing everything possible to ensure that Travis Decker, the father who is suspected of their deaths, is brought to justice.

Belton went on to say that this community uprising in support of the girls had inspired “important conversations” about improved mental health services and improvements to the Amber Alert system. Initially, no Amber Alert had been issued for the girls because the case only met three of the five criteria required to automatically trigger such an alert, and because they were in the custody of a parent named as semi-custodial in a parenting plan.

Edwards spoke last. “We end with a message shared by mothers all across the world. ‘When one mother cries, we all cry, and keep her in our heart.’ Thank you for holding Whitney in your hearts now.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media