A Love Story Turned Tragic: The Life and Death of Larry Isenberg
Larry Isenberg, a retired timber executive, and his wife, Lori, the executive director of the North Idaho Housing Coalition, were well-known figures in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Married for 14 years, they shared a blended family and were active in their community. Larry, an avid outdoorsman, cherished time on the lake, hunting, and long walks, while Lori was dedicated to her nonprofit work.
On February 13, 2018, the couple set out on Lake Coeur d’Alene to watch the sunrise. Tragically, Larry fell overboard and drowned. Lori reported that he had suffered a stroke, but the circumstances raised suspicions. An autopsy later revealed that Larry had died from a fatal overdose of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine found in Benadryl, with levels far exceeding a therapeutic dose.
Further investigations uncovered that Lori had embezzled approximately $600,000 from her nonprofit organization. She was arrested for theft and forgery, and in 2020, she was charged with second-degree murder for Larry's death. In 2021, Lori entered an Alford plea, acknowledging that the prosecution had enough evidence for a conviction without admitting guilt, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Larry Isenberg is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life was tragically cut short. His story serves as a somber reminder of the complexities that can lie beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic lives.