Up and Vanished: Ashley Loring HeavyRunner - Payne Tells All
Podcast Information:
- Title: Up and Vanished
- Host/Author: Tenderfoot TV
- Episode: Ashley Loring HeavyRunner: Payne Tells All
- Release Date: April 6, 2025
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Ashley Loring HeavyRunner: Payne Tells All," host Payne Lindsay delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Ashley Loring HeavyRunner, a 20-year-old Indigenous woman from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. This episode not only chronicles Ashley's tragic case but also highlights the broader crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in the United States.
Ashley Loring HeavyRunner: A Brief Overview
Ashley Loring HeavyRunner vanished in June 2017 under circumstances that remain shrouded in mystery. Growing up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Ashley was known for her resilience, warmth, and the ability to uplift those around her. Her disappearance has since become emblematic of the systemic issues faced by Indigenous communities, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of Indigenous women.
Key Quote:
"Ashley wasn't just a sister or a daughter. She was their light. Her sister Kimberly described her as someone who could brighten the darkest days with just a laugh, but she had the most beautiful smile."
— Kimberly Loring (04:21)
The Disappearance
Final Days and Initial Observations
On the night of June 5, 2017, Ashley visited her father's house in Browning, Montana. She exhibited signs of paranoia, closing blinds and expressing unease about a mysterious event. Later that evening, Ashley was reportedly seen at a party hosted by Vernon Wagner. A video capturing her presence at the party was initially available but had vanished by the time the investigation commenced.
Key Quote:
"The timeline of Ashley's disappearance begins on June 5, 2017. That night, she visited her father's house in Browning... And then she was gone."
— Payne Lindsay (05:38)
Investigative Challenges
Payne Lindsay and the Up and Vanished team faced significant obstacles upon arriving in Browning. Years of secrecy, distrust of outsiders, and a fragmented law enforcement system hindered their progress. Despite these challenges, they began reconstructing Ashley's last known movements.
Key Quote:
"When Payne Lindsay and the up and Vanished team began their investigation, that video had disappeared."
— Payne Lindsay (05:38)
Key Individuals in the Investigation
Big Al and Sam McDonald
One of the pivotal locations in Ashley's last days was Big Al's house, a known gathering spot for parties marred by drug activity. Witnesses reported that Ashley had been there and was later picked up by Sam McDonald, who claimed she stayed at his cabin for six days before disappearing on his drive back to town.
Key Quote:
"From Big Al's house, Ashley was picked up by another man, Sam McDonald... But somewhere along the way, she disappeared."
— Payne Lindsay (06:50)
Confrontation with Sam McDonald
Payne and his team managed to track down Sam McDonald, leading to a tense confrontation. Sam's inconsistent story—stating he woke up to find Ashley gone after she requested a stop—raised numerous red flags about his involvement.
Key Quote:
"He had every reason in the world to avoid the truth."
— Payne Lindsay (11:21)
Paul "V Dog" Valenzuela
Investigations led to Paul Valenzuela, dubbed "V Dog," a man with a criminal history. In August 2024, Valenzuela was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, further intertwining his narrative with Ashley's disappearance. Although his direct involvement remains unconfirmed, his criminal behavior underscores the dangers surrounding the case.
Key Quote:
"Now we know exactly how dangerous V Dog really is."
— Payne Lindsay (13:22)
Systemic Issues Highlighted
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Crisis
Ashley's disappearance is a stark reflection of the nationwide MMIW crisis. Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of violence, with murder being the third leading cause of death among them. The systemic failures in law enforcement and societal neglect have perpetuated these tragedies.
Key Quote:
"Native women are murdered at rates 10 times higher than the national average, and murder is the third leading cause of death for indigenous women."
— Payne Lindsay
Advocacy and Community Response
Desi Lone Bear Rodriguez, an MMIW advocate, emphasized the pervasive sense of insecurity and the lack of adequate responses from authorities. The Up and Vanished team amplified these concerns, providing a platform for families and communities to demand justice.
Key Quote:
"Our women are targets... When we disappear, no one cares."
— Desi Lone Bear Rodriguez
Breakthroughs and New Leads
Emerging Tips and Digital Clues
Following the episode's airing, a surge of tips inundated the podcast's tip line. Among these, Megan's report stands out, detailing a sighting of Ashley with two men—Joe Gobert and Alan Potts—near the location where her phone was found. This tip points to a potential connection with Mabel and Jimmy Renan Fisher's ranch.
Key Quote:
"Megan says Ashley was with two men, Joe Gobert and Alan Potts... That spot where she jumped out... is where her phone was found."
— Kimberly Loring (18:08)
Online Identity and Disturbing Evidence
A chilling development involved a profile on FetLife under the name "Sativa Bria," bearing a striking resemblance to Ashley. Additionally, a disturbing video link surfaced, depicting Ashley-likeness in a threatening scenario, further complicating the investigation.
Key Quote:
"It's filmed from the viewpoint of someone holding a hose, slowly filling the tub with water. And that's where it ends."
— Kimberly Loring (16:44)
Psychic Visions and Intangible Leads
Kimberly Loring shared experiences of psychic visions, adding another layer to the investigation. While such tips are unconventional, they underscore the desperation and multifaceted approaches in seeking Ashley's whereabouts.
Key Quote:
"Ashley in a dark room, screaming."
— Kimberly Loring (25:31)
Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions
Despite years of investigation, Ashley's case remains unresolved. Kimberly Loring's relentless advocacy has kept the spotlight on the MMIW crisis, pushing for systemic changes and continued support for affected families. The episode concludes with a promise of further exploration in the upcoming Season 4, focusing on the disappearances of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas in Alaska.
Key Quote:
"There is still a $50,000 reward here for any new information that leads to an arrest in Ashley's case."
— Kimberly Loring (30:41)
Conclusion
"Ashley Loring HeavyRunner: Payne Tells All" serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt storytelling, Payne Lindsay and the Up and Vanished team not only seek justice for Ashley but also amplify the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect Indigenous communities nationwide.
Final Thoughts:
"Ashley Loring, heavy runner. Disappeared on tribal land... If you're the family of a missing person, there's no roadmap."
— Kimberly Loring (35:57)
Additional Resources
- Join the Discussion: Up and Vanished Discussion Board
- Follow on Social Media: Up and Vanished
- Support MMIW Initiatives: Various local and national organizations dedicated to addressing MMIW.
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