Member-only story
What Happened to Newlywed Amy Wroe Bechtel?
When Amy Joy Wroe Bechtel disappeared in July 1997, her life held much promise. [1] Newly married and in peak physical health, the 24-year-old was making memories with her husband and planning for the future.
But this up-and-coming young woman’s future was called into question when she failed to return to her Lander, Wyoming, home later that same night.
Where did Amy go, and who or what decided to rip her from the arms of her loved ones before her time?
Life Was Good
Amy Wroe Bechtel was born Amy Joy Wroe on August 4, 1972. Dad Duane Wroe worked as a city administrator who liked his alcohol and chain-smoked cigarettes but gave up his drinking habit when Amy and her three siblings were young children. [2]
Amy’s mother, Jo Anne Wroe, taught physically disabled children for years before cutting back on her hours and becoming a substitute teacher.
The Wroes describe their daughter as a thoughtful, hyper-focused girl who fell in love with running when she was in the sixth grade. She wasn’t the best runner, at first, but her passion for the activity propelled her into the spotlight in college.
As a student at the University of Wyoming, Amy became captain of the cross-country and track teams and was named to the Western Athletic Conference’s all-star team. Amy still holds the UW record in the 3,000 meters.
After college, Amy continued to compete in regional and national competitions, including the 1996 Boston Marathon. She dreamed of qualifying for the 2000 Olympics.
At the time of her disappearance, Amy was working as a personal trainer. [3]
While a student at UW, Amy Wroe met Steve Bechtel, a rock climbing enthusiast. The two fell in love and were married in 1996.
The couple soon moved to Lander, which had a rugged terrain that would allow Steve to continue his…
