Uinta Triangle – Episode: Ruby Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: Dave Cawley (Lemonada Media)

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Ruby" of Uinta Triangle, host Dave Cawley delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Australian trekker Eric Robinson. This installment chronicles the emotional aftermath faced by Eric's family and the pivotal discovery that brought five years of uncertainty to a close. The episode intertwines personal narratives with investigative journalism, providing a comprehensive exploration of loss, resilience, and the relentless quest for answers.

The Day of Disappearance

The episode opens with a somber recounting of Eric Robinson's disappearance in the treacherous Uinta Mountains, a range notorious for claiming hikers.

Amy Donaldson [00:00]: "Two young fathers are shot to death outside an iconic Utah restaurant."

While this initial statement sets a tense tone, the focus swiftly shifts to the emotional turmoil faced by Eric's wife, Marilyn, and their daughter, Rachel, who returned home exhausted after a ten-day search without success.

Rachel Marsden [01:25]: "We had a birthday party for 20 grade prep children that afternoon."

Despite the tragedy, the family upheld normalcy by celebrating their daughter's sixth birthday, masking their grief with forced smiles and bottled-up emotions.

Life Without Eric

Marilyn's return to their empty home is portrayed poignantly, highlighting the profound sense of loss she experiences amidst familiar surroundings.

Marilyn Kohlstra [03:25]: "Walking back into the house without Eric and knowing that he would never be here again, that was a challenge."

The house, once vibrant with Eric's presence—evident in the meticulously maintained garden and the cherished frog pond—now stands as a silent testament to his absence.

Marilyn Kohlstra [05:35]: "It's a place of peace and, you know, serenity."

Each evening, Marilyn grapples with overwhelming despair, striving to maintain composure for her family while internally succumbing to loneliness.

Marilyn Kohlstra [08:37]: "Nighttimes are the lonely times."

The Five-Year Gap and Kelvin Judd's Discovery

Five years later, hope is rekindled when Kelvin Judd, a seasoned hiker with personal experience of getting lost in the same mountain range, stumbles upon crucial evidence.

Dave Cawley [40:19]: "John found a hiking boot. You can just see the bottom of it from where we were standing."

Kelvin's discovery of a backpack bearing Eric's Australian driver's license marks a significant breakthrough, leading to the realization that Eric's remains had been hidden and undiscovered for years.

Dave Cawley [43:34]: "And then on the bottom of that backpack was a wallet. To our surprise, Australian driver's license with Eric Robinson's name on it."

Communication and Legal Aftermath

Upon learning of the discovery, Marilyn faces a flood of emotions and legal complexities. Her attempts to claim her husband's estate are complicated by jurisdictional issues and the incomplete state of Eric's remains.

Marilyn Kohlstra [15:15]: "So there were matters like that to be taken care of."

Despite these challenges, Marilyn perseveres, eventually gaining legal permission to manage Eric's affairs and provide for their son, Glenn.

Emotional Resolution and Continuing Questions

While the discovery provides closure regarding Eric's whereabouts, it simultaneously deepens the mystery surrounding the exact circumstances of his death. The absence of definitive evidence regarding how Eric met his fate leaves Marilyn and her family grappling with lingering doubts and unanswered questions.

Marilyn Kohlstra [61:03]: "If he had consciousness, he would have set off that beacon."

Conclusion

"Ruby" encapsulates a profound journey through grief, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Marilyn's unwavering determination to maintain Eric's legacy and the serendipitous discovery by Kelvin Judd intertwine to provide a nuanced narrative of loss and the unyielding pursuit of truth. The episode underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the lengths to which loved ones will go in search of closure.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Marilyn Kohlstra [03:25]: "Walking back into the house without Eric and knowing that he would never be here again, that was a challenge."
• Marilyn Kohlstra [05:35]: "It's a place of peace and, you know, serenity."
• Marilyn Kohlstra [08:37]: "Nighttimes are the lonely times."
• Dave Cawley [40:19]: "John found a hiking boot. You can just see the bottom of it from where we were standing."
• Dave Cawley [43:34]: "And then on the bottom of that backpack was a wallet. To our surprise, Australian driver's license with Eric Robinson's name on it."
• Marilyn Kohlstra [15:15]: "So there were matters like that to be taken care of."
• Marilyn Kohlstra [61:03]: "If he had consciousness, he would have set off that beacon."

Final Thoughts

"Ruby" serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the relentless pursuit of closure in the face of inexplicable loss. Through heartfelt storytelling and meticulous investigation, Uinta Triangle offers listeners a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on the complexities of grief and the enduring search for answers.