Simple past vs Present perfect: Hear from someone

Hello everyone,

I was reading up on usages of simple past in expressing wishes and its usage in conditional phrases. However, I came across a phrase (1) that has been bothering me somewhat. Am I interpreting it correctly? It nagged me because the phrase seems to demand more context to be able to make sense of it.

1. I never heard from her again.

2. I've never heard from her again.

The second sentence indicates that she has vanished completely and this continues to be the case today. There is emphasis on this latter fact.

The first sentence could be a way to finish a story about the past: "And then I never heard from her again...". I think it could also be the case that the conversation continues on:"I never heard from her again. That is, until one day I randomly received a letter saying that she was doing well on the other side of the world!".

I would love to hear your thoughts.