Missing hiker’s body found in Craters of the Moon
The body of a hiker missing in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve has been found, according to a news release Wednesday.
A helicopter search of the lava fields north and west of the Tree Molds Trail early Tuesday evening yielded the location of Dr. Jodean “Jo” Elliott-Blakeslee. Her body was found about a mile from where searchers earlier found the body of her hiking partner Amelia “Amy” Linkert.
A final determination of cause of death is pending the investigation by the coroner and law enforcement personnel.
Elliott-Blakeslee and Linkert were reported missing Sept. 24 and had last been seen Sept. 19 at a campground in Arco. Their vehicle was found at the Tree Molds Trailhead parking lot, a popular hiking area in the Monument.
Elliott-Blakeslee, 63, worked as a physician in the Boise area and for the Oregon Department of Corrections in Ontario. Linkert was retired from the Meridian School District and would have been 70 on Sept. 26.
“We hope that this will bring closure to her family, friends and all those who have been involved in the search. We join the family in thanking the searchers and local communities for the tremendous outpouring of support that we have received throughout this intense effort,” said Park Superintendent Dan Buckley.
