Circumstances of Disappearance
Swanson was a special education teacher in Coeur D'Alene, ID when she she disappeared on March 29, 1986. She was last seen at the Tubbs Hill trail entrance. Presumably, Swanson was going to hike or jog on the trail. There was a lot of activity on Tubbs Hill that day. But nothing to show police what happened to Swanson once her students lost sight of her heading up the trail. The last place she was seen may not be where she disappeared.

Police found Swanson's car in a parking lot near Tubbs Hill. Her purse and shopping bags were inside. Keys have not been located. There were no signs of a struggle.

She was due at a friend's house the next day for Easter dinner. The food she was supposed to bring was found, still wrapped in her refrigerator. On Monday, she failed to show up for work at Sorensen Elementary School.
Law enforcement used every means necessary -- including infrared, dogs, helicopters and divers -- to search every inch of the 120-acre hill and the waters around it. She wasn't reported missing until April 1.
Foul play is suspected.
Swanson was the first Coeur D' Alene woman who went missing in two months. In May, Sally Anne Stone went missing after an appointment with her physical therapist.