Letter: Pam Suwinsky's friends thank the South Lake Tahoe community

The following is a letter from Kathy Wilbrecht Lawson, a friend of Pamela Suwinsky, the woman whose body was found in the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday:

As you can imagine this is not the outcome we had hoped and prayed for. We are devastated. Since finding out that Pam was missing on Wednesday, we have heard from so many of her loved ones, friends and acquaintances, and it warms our hearts to know that so many peoples' lives have been touched by this special lady. Pam had a huge heart that extended to her family, friends, her beloved pets and everybody she came in contact with.

We want to extend our thanks to all of those that participated in the search efforts, particularly the authorities in the Lake Tahoe area, including the local police, sheriff, fire and search & rescue personnel. A huge thank you also to the community of South Lake Tahoe, including those that helped with the search and the many community members that were praying right along with her family and friends.

Pam you will be forever in our hearts, and we will never forget your beautiful smile.

- Kathy Wilbrecht Lawson