It has been nearly 20 years since the death of Bernadette Vander in Utah’s Zion National Park. At the time, the only account of what happened came from her husband, David Vander, who told investigators that Bernadette slipped and fell during a hike. But years later, renewed scrutiny, new witness statements, and questions surrounding a large life insurance payout have led investigators to believe David may have known more than he originally disclosed. According to CNN, Bernadette and David’s relationship was never viewed as a perfect match by everyone close to them. Looking back, Bernadette’s father, Richard, said he always had a bad feeling about David. The marriage grew strained Despite those concerns, the couple married and eventually moved from Utah to Las Vegas. David worked as a youth pastor, while Bernadette waited tables at a casino, often spending her breaks singing and playing piano for guests. Her family said she was a gifted performer and believed she was on the verge of a breakthrough before her death. About 10 years into the marriage, Bernadette’s mother, Laura, and sister, Vanessa, moved into the couple’s home after Laura separated from Richard. Family members later said the crowded living arrangements added strain to an already struggling marriage. According to relatives, David had become increasingly focused on his youth ministry. Bernadette also reportedly grew concerned about the nature of his relationship with one of the teenage girls who frequently spent time at their home. Eventually, Bernadette asked David for a divorce. According to CNN, David was worried about how a divorce might affect his reputation as a youth pastor. In an effort to repair their relationship, the couple traveled to Utah to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary with a hike. One detail that gained significance only after Bernadette’s death was the couple’s life insurance policy. Laura said her daughter told her David had suggested increasing their coverage from $150,000 to $600,000, explaining that it would protect the family financially if anything ever happened to him. David told investigators that on Aug. 22, 2006, the couple hiked to Angel’s Landing. He said he was photographing Bernadette at sunrise when she slipped and fell to her death. Investigators at the time found no evidence of foul play, and the insurance company ultimately paid David $567,439 in 2007. According to Bernadette’s family, David soon began making expensive purchases, including new vehicles and vacations. Laura said the family never received any of the insurance money. The case remained closed until 2022, when new allegations involving David’s conduct as a youth pastor surfaced. Multiple women accused him of grooming them, with one alleging the behavior began while Bernadette was still alive. His boss believes he did it Then came another development. Barry Diamond, David’s former employer, contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and told investigators he believed David had killed Bernadette. Using new witness statements and advances in investigative techniques, prosecutors reopened the case and eventually arrested David. However, before he could make his initial court appearance, he was found unresponsive in his jail cell. Authorities determined that he died by suicide. Because the case never went to trial, the allegations against David were never tested in court. For Bernadette’s family, that meant they were left without a legal resolution. Richard said that while they never got the answers they were hoping for, he was relieved that David could no longer hurt anyone else.