Hiker Mom Vanishes Without a Trace—Chilling Discovery Seven Months Later

A hiker who vanished in Arizona’s White Tank Mountains in April has been discovered dead seven months later, though authorities have not yet determined the cause of death.

By Sheenu Gupta On Nov 30, 2024 Share with new partner:

“She will be missed but she is not forgotten,” her son wrote on social media, adding, “I miss you every day”

A hiker who went missing earlier this year in Arizona’s White Tank Mountains has been found deceased, seven months after her disappearance. Amber Barnett’s body was located on Sunday, November 24, within the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, located near Waddell, Arizona. Authorities have confirmed the discovery, with Sgt. Calbert Gillett of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office providing details to PEOPLE.

While the search for Barnett had been ongoing since her disappearance in April, the cause of her death remains unclear, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is still underway.

The cause of Amber Barnett’s death has not yet been determined, as confirmed by Sgt. Calbert Gillett in an email statement. Barnett was first reported missing by her family after she failed to return from a hike on the Mesquite Trail in Waddell, Arizona. The search for her had been ongoing since her disappearance in April.

On Sunday, November 24, deputies responded to a report from a hiker who had come across what appeared to be human remains in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officials confirmed that they had located Barnett’s remains.

Following the discovery, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the homicide unit detectives were now involved in the investigation, although there has been no official determination regarding the cause of death at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Merlina Barnett shared a heartfelt message following the discovery of her mother’s body, expressing her deep sorrow and faith. “My wonderful mother has gone to be with the Lord,” she wrote, adding that her mother, Amber Barnett, was found in the White Tank Mountains, doing what she loved—seeking the Lord. She continued, “I am forever grateful for the example she showed me. She lived her life for Jesus and dedicated herself to interceding and praying for others. She will be missed, but she is not forgotten. Thank you, Momma. I miss you every day.”

A missing person’s flyer initially reported that Amber Barnett was last seen on April 1 in Phoenix. However, a later update clarified that she was last known to have been hiking in the White Tank Mountains on April 2, 2024. Her car was discovered in Lot 7 at the west end of Ramada Way, and her keys and purse were found inside the vehicle, sparking further concerns about her whereabouts.