Toni Henthorn: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?

In September 2012, Toni Henthorn was on a hiking trip with her husband at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. A successful doctor with a thriving career, her sudden death from an alleged accident during the hike came as a devastating shock to her family. As authorities began their investigation, they soon discovered unexpected connections to a case from 1995. ABC’s episode of ’20/20′ titled ‘Mountain of Lies,’ explores the extensive police work that ultimately led to the capture of her killer.

Toni Henthorn Passed Away While on a Trip to Mark Her Wedding Anniversary

On January 10, 1962, Bob and Yvonne Bertolet welcomed their daughter, Toni Jill Bertolet, into their family in Jackson, Mississippi. Growing up with her two brothers, Barry and Todd, she was the middle child and had a calm and composed demeanor. From an early age, her passion for helping others was evident, and she was exceptionally bright. She excelled academically and set her sights on becoming a doctor. After graduating with honors from Trinity High School in 1980, she attended the University of Mississippi Medical School, where she maintained her dedication and graduated summa cum laude in 1988.

Toni soon established her practice in her hometown and quickly gained recognition as a skilled surgical and cosmetic ophthalmologist. The only thing missing from her life was love. In 1999, she met Harold Henthorn through Christian Matchmakers, as she was deeply religious and active in her church. Their connection blossomed, and on September 30, 2000, they got married. The couple eventually moved to Denver, Colorado, where Harold lived. There, Toni joined Associates in Eyecare and continued excelling in her career. In 2005, their family felt complete with the birth of their daughter, Haley. The couple’s life appeared to be one of success and happiness. Harold claimed to be a successful businessman involved in fundraising for nonprofits.

They were close to their families and often spent vacations and holidays with their extended relatives in Mississippi. In September 2012, Harold surprised Toni with a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park for their 12th anniversary. Excited for the getaway, she bid her loved ones goodbye—unaware it would be the last time they saw her alive. On September 29, 2012, Harold messaged her brother, informing him that Toni had been in an accident, and urged him to fly to Denver immediately. However, shortly after, he sent another message and said that she had passed away. Since she had fallen nearly 140 feet to her death, no autopsy was conducted, but as required by law, an investigation was launched.

Toni Henthorn’s Killer Gave Varying Accounts of Her Final Hours

On October 4, 2012, the family held a memorial service for Toni Jill Bertolet Henthorn. One of their initial concerns was that Harold Henthorn had chosen to cremate Toni’s remains despite their wish to bury her. By this time, police had uncovered some incriminating evidence in his Jeep. During a search, they found a map with an “X” marking the exact spot where Toni had fallen. Additionally, family members informed investigators that Harold had given conflicting accounts of the incident. Initially, he claimed he had briefly looked away at his phone and then saw that she had fallen. Later, he changed his story, saying she had fallen while taking his picture. Family and friends also alleged that Harold was a highly controlling husband who was deeply involved in every aspect of Toni’s life.

The family also mentioned that over the years, it became increasingly difficult to talk to her without him being present. He had the house phone connected to his cell phone, and even when Toni or their daughter spoke on the phone, he would put them on speaker. Her colleagues noted that he would sit in on her meetings and was aware of every detail of her day. They also mentioned that she never made plans without consulting him first, and many admitted they were uneasy about his presence. The police also revealed shocking information to Toni’s family— Harold was not a businessman and had not been bringing in any income.

The authorities also disclosed that Harold was the beneficiary of multiple life insurance policies taken out in his wife’s name, totaling $4.7 million. Further investigation revealed that his first wife, Sandra Lynn Henthorn, had also died under suspicious circumstances in 1995. At the time, her death had been ruled an accident that Harold claimed transpired after they had a flat tire in Sedalia, Colorado. According to him, Sandra crawled under the Jeep to retrieve some lug nuts, but when he tossed the spare tire into the back, the vehicle rolled off the jack and crushed her. When the police revisited Lynn’s case, the coroner changed her manner of death from “accident” to “undetermined.” This, combined with the mounting evidence in Toni’s case, led to Harold’s arrest in November 2014. He was charged with Toni’s murder, and after a trial, he was found guilty in 2015.