Erin Marie Gilbert was new to Alaska. Before moving there in the summer of 1994 to be with her sister Stephanie and her family, she had lived in San Francisco and Everett, Washington. Her new home of Anchorage is best known for its trails, wildlife, and glaciers, but it is also billed as the state’s cultural soul. In fact, the city boasts that it has more artists and musicians than anywhere else in Alaska. Ironically, it is at a local event featuring Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods, and entertainers from all over Alaska where her life will take a mysterious turn.    Erin had big dreams. She was an aspiring writer and had plans to go to cosmetology school. In the meantime, she worked as a nanny. Being almost 6 feet tall, her height came in handy while playing basketball. Those who knew Erin describe her as kind and confident. She also enjoyed reading and running.    A few days before her disappearance. In late June of ’95, Erin ventured to Chilkoot Charlies, a popular bar among locals in Anchorage. Known officially as Koots now, Travel Advisor describes it as ’a mega-bar/nightclub that provides a distinctly Alaskan and one-of-a-kind night out that you won't find anywhere else.’ It is here that she meets Dave Combs. The two quickly hit it off and planned the first date for July 1st. The pair would go to Girdwood Forest Fair, an annual event in the resort town of Girdwood, AK located 36 miles south of Anchorage.    The day of her disappearance. Combs arrived to pick up Erin around 4:00 pm. Stephanie recalls her 4-year old telling Erin she should take a cell phone, but Erin declined. The two proceeded south to Girdwood. Around 6 pm the pair decided to leave the festival. However, when they went to his car, the vehicle would not start because Combs had left the lights on. Combs claims that he told Erin that he would walk to a nearby friend’s house for help. After wandering around for several hours, Combs says he returned to the car but Erin was gone. He was able to start the car.    Combs claims he searched for Erin until 1 am. He returned to the fair but was unable to find her. Around 7 am the next morning, he called Stephanie and asked if Erin had made it home. Stephanie recalls that Combs appeared nonchalant. She hadn't, and so she and her family drove to Girdwood, had her name announced onstage at the fair, and searched the festival and the nearby woods. When she did not turn up, they called the police and reported her missing. An extensive search involving dogs and helicopters turned up no sign of her. Her family believes she met with foul play and is deceased.   Know her story. Explore the rest of the case visualization now to read and listen further about that fateful day. #FindErinMarieGilbert