Juneau Police: Wife Hid Husband’s Remains, Collected Benefits

Juneau police closed their investigation after determining Ross Pasquan, whose remains were found in a chest freezer in July 2026, died of natural causes related to severe cardiovascular disease. Investigators said his wife and caregiver, Sheryl McDonald-Pasquan, concealed his death, told others he had moved to an out-of-town care facility, and continued applying for and receiving his Social Security, retirement and Alaska Permanent Fund benefits. Police could not establish when Pasquan died or how much was collected; they believe his remains were placed in the freezer sometime between 2018 and 2025. McDonald-Pasquan died in July 2025, and investigators found no evidence anyone else caused Pasquan’s death or helped conceal his remains or obtain the benefits.