Mandy Stavik’s heartbreaking story began when her body was found in a river, remarkably preserved by the cold water, making her appear eerily alive. Her death devastated the tight-knit community of Whatcom County, leaving residents locked in fear. A talented swimmer and lifeguard, Mandy was found drowned, having suffered blunt force trauma and sexual assault. Despite DNA evidence, investigators struggled for decades to uncover answers. Leads fizzled out, and key suspects were ruled out, leaving the case cold. But in 2013, decades after the murder, two women reignited the investigation by raising suspicions about Timothy Bass, Mandy’s former classmate.

The renewed focus on Bass led to a breakthrough, and after overcoming legal challenges to collect his DNA, a match was found. Timothy Bass was arrested and convicted, but not for premeditated murder. In 2019, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison. His attempts to appeal the conviction were unsuccessful, giving Mandy’s family and community a sense of justice and closure.

Mandy’s legacy lives on today through a scholarship at Mount Baker High School for students in the music program, a memorial tree at her college, and a song recorded by her friends to raise money for the scholarship. Mandy’s mother, Mary, later moved to Oak Harbor to live with her daughter and newborn granddaughter, named Mandy, keeping her memory alive. Though her life was tragically cut short, Mandy Stavik’s impact continues through the tributes created in her honor.