Plaques Honoring Slain Tourists Vandalized

EUREKA, Calif. — Vandals stole a memorial plaque dedicated to the three sightseers who were slain while on a trip to Yosemite National Park and burned another, school administrators said.

The plaques, which were mounted on boulders and set in a garden at Eureka High School, were stolen last weekend in the hometown of two of the victims.

Carole Sund, 42, and her 15-year-old daughter Juli were from Eureka. The two disappeared, along with their Argentine friend Silvina Pelosso, 16, while vacationing in February.

Vandals stole one plaque that featured “Regina’s Prayer,” which was written by Sund’s 13-year-old daughter Regina during the time her mother and sister were missing. A second plaque bearing a Jewish prayer was burned, its front blackened and its corners melted, said Principal Bob Embertson.

Since the deaths of the sightseers, the words from “Regina’s Prayer” have been turned into a song and recorded on compact disc. Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go toward the Carole Sund / Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation, which already has raised more than $300,000.

The foundation helps families of missing persons offer rewards for the safe return of their loved ones.