Alaska woman hid husband's body in freezer for seven years to collect benefits

Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have concluded an investigation into a case where a woman hid her husband's remains in a freezer for approximately seven years. The discovery was made in July after the woman, Sheryl Ann McDonald-Pasquan, died of natural causes in June 2025.

While cleaning out the deceased woman's belongings, relatives discovered a locked chest freezer in a storage room containing a body wrapped in plastic canvas. Police identified the remains as Ross Pasquan, the woman's husband. Investigators believe Ross died of natural causes around 2018.

For nearly seven years, McDonald-Pasquan reportedly misled family and neighbors by claiming her husband had moved to a nursing home outside of Juneau to receive professional care. During this time, she continued to collect his social security benefits, Alaska Permanent Fund dividends, and various retirement pensions.

Forensic examinations confirmed there were no signs of foul play or external injury involved in Ross Pasquan's death. Because the primary suspect is deceased, police stated that no criminal charges can be filed, and the case is now closed.