Spokane’s Unexpected Tourism Boost and a New Chilling Find in Ponderay Highlight Regional History, Get the Details Here

Published on December 19, 2025

On December 19, 2025, two events caught my interest among those that are stored in history. While one shows how a shocking rise in tourism caught everyone’s attention, the other shows how a ghastly find shocked everyone. Though these events are separated by several decades, they both found their way to making history with cities around Spokane, Washington.

Spokane Sees a Surge in Air Travel as Flights Are Diverted

In December 1975, Spokane became an unexpected focal point in the world of air travel, as more than 500 passengers found themselves stranded at Spokane International Airport after their flights were diverted from foggy Seattle and Portland. It was reported as one of the largest air diversions Spokane had ever seen, and the situation caused a temporary spike in tourism and local activity.

The sudden arrival of passengers due to weather-related issues had a ripple effect on Spokane’s local economy. Northwest Airlines quickly sprang into action, arranging accommodations for the displaced travelers. “We’re putting them up anywhere we can find a bed,” a spokesperson for the airline was quoted as saying. Hotels in the area experienced a surge in business, and local transportation services had to quickly adjust to accommodate the influx of visitors who were caught off guard by the unexpected stop in Spokane.

This unplanned event provided Spokane with an unexpected boost, as many of the air travelers took the opportunity to explore the city while they waited for their flights to resume. Although not the typical method of attracting tourists, the diversion brought more visibility to Spokane as a stopover location and introduced a number of visitors to the city’s offerings, including its local restaurants, shops, and landmarks.

A Close Call with United Airlines Strike and Travel Uncertainty

This air travel disruption came at a time when the aviation industry was facing its own set of challenges. Just days before, a tentative agreement had been reached regarding the United Airlines strike. The strike had caused significant disruption in the airline’s operations, leaving travelers uncertain about their future plans. The announcement of a resolution for United Airlines meant that full services were expected to return shortly, offering some relief to the tens of thousands of travelers impacted by the strike.

While Spokane’s tourism economy benefited from the unexpected increase in visitors, the larger context of air travel challenges painted a picture of a volatile time for both passengers and the airline industry. The convergence of these events—diverted flights and the near resolution of a major airline strike—highlighted Spokane’s role as a key transit hub and reminded travelers of the unpredictable nature of air travel during that period.

A Grisly Discovery in Ponderay, Idaho: A Mystery Unfolds

In another story that day, 1925 brought a grim discovery just outside of Ponderay, Idaho. A water fee collector made a horrifying find when he stumbled upon the lifeless body of 40-year-old Frank Fox in his cottage. Fox’s body showed signs of trauma, with bruises and scratches on his face and large patches of skin scraped from both hips. The scene inside the cottage was chaotic—chairs overturned and objects scattered about, leading authorities to initially suspect foul play.

The gruesome nature of the discovery caught the attention of local authorities, who began investigating the circumstances surrounding Fox’s death. However, an autopsy conducted by the attending doctor painted a different picture. The doctor suggested that Fox might have been suffering from an illness, potentially causing disorientation and erratic behavior. The possibility of murder was considered, but the doctor’s assessment led police to think that Fox’s death might have been the result of natural causes compounded by his declining health.

The case remained under investigation, and while the exact cause of death was uncertain, the gruesome scene and the lack of definitive answers made it a subject of local interest. The incident added a dark chapter to the region’s history, with unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Fox’s demise.

Tourism Impact in Spokane and Idaho: The Unlikely Influence of Tragedy and Travel

The events of December 19, 1975, not only brought attention to Spokane as an unexpected travel destination but also underscored the unpredictable nature of the tourism industry. While Spokane experienced a temporary but notable surge in tourism due to the diverted flights, the grim discovery in Ponderay painted a different picture of the region, highlighting the complexities of life in smaller towns during the early 20th century.

For travelers, both incidents provide a lens into the region’s historical moments—whether it’s the unforeseen economic benefits of Spokane’s role in air travel during disruptions or the eerie silence left by a tragedy that remains part of the area’s dark history. These events reflect how external factors—such as weather and human tragedy—can shape the travel experience in unexpected ways.

The historical events of 1975 and 1925 also reveal how tourism, both planned and unplanned, can influence the local economy and draw attention to regions. While Spokane found itself in the spotlight due to a surge in air traffic, the more somber event in Idaho reminds us that the allure of travel can sometimes be overshadowed by darker narratives, both of which play a part in shaping the region’s legacy.

A Legacy of Surprises for Spokane and the Region

December 19th, 1975, is just one of the stories whose portrayal is unique in the way it captures the essence of the land known as the Pacific Northwest. This is an area that is and will continue to see its future shaped by dramatic occurrences, including air traffic rerouting and the macabre find of human remains. The positive effects of tourism on Spokane, for example, are tempered by the dark secret of Ponderay.