Holiday Visit Turns Tragic: The Disappearance of Heather “Barbie” Asendorf

In a shocking turn of events that has disturbed the tranquil beach community of Hollywood, Florida, a Pennsylvania woman’s holiday visit to see friends ended in tragedy the day after Christmas. Heather Asendorf, a vibrant 56-year-old woman affectionately nicknamed “Barbie” by those who knew her, was found dead under a tarp on a South Florida beach on December 26th. Her body was discovered by a passerby near Cleveland Street just after 7 a.m., merely a block away from the hotel where she had been staying for the holidays. Brandon Ward McCray, a 28-year-old Florida man, has been arrested in connection with her death following a joint operation by Hollywood Police and the US Marshals Service. While authorities have confirmed that Asendorf and McCray knew each other, they have not disclosed the extent of their relationship or how they initially connected the suspect to the crime, as the arrest warrant remains sealed. What is known, however, is that McCray was charged with sexual assault with a weapon, sexual battery of a victim over 12 years of age, kidnapping, battery by strangulation, and battery—though interestingly, he has not been charged with murder.

Those who knew Asendorf paint a picture of a woman full of life and color. Her friend of 25 years, Steve Sarsfield, described her as “Rainbow Brite and Barbie mixed together,” referencing her flamboyant personality, bright outfits, and blonde wigs. Asendorf was a familiar face at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell, an outdoor theater and plaza where she would often go to dance during her Florida trips. Sarsfield, a Hallandale Beach resident, last saw his friend on Christmas Eve at this very location. “She was a really sweet girl. Everybody really liked her. She did her own dance,” he reminisced, capturing the unique spirit of a woman whose life was cut tragically short. Though authorities have not revealed her exact cause of death, they immediately suspected foul play upon discovering her body, setting into motion the investigation that would eventually lead to McCray’s arrest.

The suspect in this case presents a troubling history that raises questions about the criminal justice system’s handling of potential reoffenders. McCray, described in arrest records as weighing 310 pounds and sporting three distinctive tattoos reading “Sophia,” “Stay Humble Hustle Hard,” and “Love Yours,” had been arrested less than two weeks before Asendorf’s death. That arrest was for an outstanding warrant related to disorderly intoxication and resisting charges from 2023. Perhaps most disturbingly, he had been released on bond just seven days before Asendorf’s body was found, walking free from jail on December 19th. This timeline suggests that had the system responded differently to his previous offenses, the tragedy might have been prevented. Now, McCray finds himself held at North Broward County Jail on a substantially higher bond of $770,000 and with GPS monitoring requirements.

The community of Hollywood Beach, typically a paradise for tourists and locals alike, has been shaken by this violent act occurring in such a public space. Though police have been quick to reassure residents, stating, “There is no indication of a broader threat to the community,” the brutal nature of the crime has nevertheless left many feeling vulnerable. The beach where Asendorf’s body was discovered is normally filled with holiday visitors enjoying the warm Florida winter, making the discovery all the more jarring against the backdrop of seasonal celebrations. For Asendorf’s friends and family, the holiday season—typically a time of joy and reunion—has been permanently marred by this senseless loss. The fact that she was visiting specifically to celebrate with friends adds another layer of tragedy to an already devastating situation.

As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have kept details of how they connected McCray to Asendorf’s death confidential, maintaining that “This case remains an active criminal investigation.” The decision not to charge McCray with murder despite the serious nature of the other charges suggests that investigators may be building a stronger case or awaiting additional evidence before pursuing the most serious charge possible. The sealed arrest warrant contains information that could potentially reveal more about the circumstances surrounding Asendorf’s final hours, the nature of her relationship with McCray, and exactly how and why she became his victim. For now, the community and Asendorf’s loved ones must wait for these answers while they attempt to process their grief and make sense of such a senseless act of violence.

What emerges from this tragic story is the portrait of a woman who brought joy to those around her through her colorful presence and free spirit, contrasted sharply with the darkness of the crime that took her life. Heather “Barbie” Asendorf came to Florida seeking connection and celebration with longtime friends, only to become the victim of apparent predation and violence. As McCray faces the justice system for his alleged crimes, the community that embraced Asendorf during her visits must now mourn her loss and grapple with the reality that such violence can touch even the most seemingly carefree and joyful among us. Her memory, characterized by dance and vibrant self-expression, stands in stark opposition to the cruelty of her final moments—a reminder of the preciousness of life and the devastating impact when it is cut short by violence.