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"48 Hours" retraces last steps of Oregon woman's fatal hike

March 03, 2016 / 01:01

This episode covers the tragic case of Ronda Casto, who fell to her death while hiking the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge in March 2009. The episode features interviews with Steven Nichols, Ronda's boyfriend, who was present during the incident, and discusses the differing perspectives on whether it was an accident or a murder.

Peter Van Sant leads the investigation into the events surrounding Ronda's fall, detailing how she had anticipated a proposal from Steven during the hike. The narrative highlights the legal implications, as prosecutors suspect foul play, while Steven maintains it was an unfortunate accident.

The episode provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from Steven Nichols, allowing viewers to gauge his emotions and thoughts on the accusations against him. The case raises questions about trust, relationships, and the nature of accidents in dangerous outdoor settings.

TLDR

Ronda Casto's fatal fall on a hike raises questions of murder versus accident, featuring insights from her boyfriend Steven Nichols.

Episode

1:01
00:00:00
I'm Peter Van Sant and on the next 48 hours I'm in the Columbia River Gorge and the trail I'm hiking on is the Eagle
00:00:08
Creek Trail and back in March 2009 Ronda Casto and her boyfriend Steven Nichols were hiking this Trail this was supposed
00:00:18
to be a fantastic hike for Rhonda because she believed and had told friends that she thought Steven was
00:00:25
going to propose to her on this trip but instead about a mile up trail from where
00:00:31
I'm walking right now she fell to her death more than 150 feet according to Steven Nichols she slipped it was a
00:00:40
tragic accident the prosecutors don't think so they believe this was a diabolical murder
00:00:47
plot follow this case through we've been on this for quite some time and we have
00:00:52
a unique opportunity of speaking to the man accused of the murder it's a great 48 I hope you watch

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 80
    Most heartbreaking
  • 70
    Most shocking
  • 70
    Biggest twist
  • 65
    Most intense

Episode Highlights

  • A Hike Turns Tragic
    Rhonda Casto believed she would be proposed to during a hike, but tragedy struck instead.
    “This was supposed to be a fantastic hike for Rhonda.”
    @ 00m 18s
    March 03, 2016
  • Murder or Accident?
    Prosecutors suspect foul play in Rhonda's death, calling it a diabolical murder.
    “The prosecutors don't think so; they believe this was a diabolical murder.”
    @ 00m 43s
    March 03, 2016

Episode Quotes

  • This was supposed to be a fantastic hike for Rhonda.
    "48 Hours" retraces last steps of Oregon woman's fatal hike
  • The prosecutors don't think so; they believe this was a diabolical murder.
    "48 Hours" retraces last steps of Oregon woman's fatal hike

Key Moments

  • Tragic Accident00:40
  • Murder Investigation00:43