By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-29 14:37:51 | Updated at 2024-11-29 16:51:30
2 hours ago
The body of an Arizona woman who went missing during a hike in a remote mountain range seven months ago has been found, according to police.
The remains of Amber Barnett, 52, were discovered in the White Tank Mountains, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Barnett went missing on April 2 after going hiking at the park in Waddell, which is about 35 miles northwest of Phoenix.
She was reported missing by her family after she did not come back from the hike on the Mesquite Trail.
Her car, keys and purse were found in one of the parking lots of the park during the search for Barnett.
A hiker came across Barnett's remains on Sunday and reported them to authorities.
A cause of death has not been released.
Barnett's son Anthony Merlina posted a tribute for her on Facebook after her remains were found.
The remains of Amber Barnett, 52, have been found in the White Tank Mountains near Phoenix
She was reported missing in April after she did not return from a hike
'This post is to notify everyone my wonderful mother has gone to be with the Lord,' Merlina wrote on Facebook.
'She was found in the white tanks mountain doing what she loved to do seeking the Lord. I am forever grateful for the example she showed me.
'She lived her life for Jesus and set herself apart to intercede and pray for others. She will be missed but she is not forgotten. Thank you momma. I miss you every day.'
The park had offered free entry to anyone who was searching for Barnett until April 26.
Merlina had previously offered a $1,000 reward for anyone who found Barnett.
He wrote back in April: 'We are devastated in her absence and are desperate to find her. We need all the help we can get to help find her and find answers.
'Amber is a very generous, loving, kind, forgiving, pure hearted person. She is a survivor and she needs us. She’s the type of person that wouldn’t give up on anyone.'
Barnett apparently had a special connection to the park, as did her husband, who died in January
Barnett and her late husband Donald are pictured
Barnett and her late husband Donald, who died in January, often visited the park in Wadell.
She had organized a memorial for him following at the White Tank Mountains Nature Center.
