Body of Missing Hiker Lost at Craters is Found

(ARCO, ID)  —  The body of Dr. Jodean “Jo” Elliott-Blakeslee has been found after an exhaustive search for close to four-weeks in Craters of the Moon National Monument.  According to authorities, a search by helicopter north and west of the Tree Molds Trail in the lava fields is where her body was eventually found early Tuesday evening.  Dr. Blakeslee’s remains were found about a mile from where searchers located her hiking partner’s body.  Amy Linkert’s body was discovered three weeks ago.   An examination of the body by the coroner should determine the cause of death.  No word on that will be released.   Both women were reported missing September 24th and were last seen September 19th at a campground near Arco where authorities found the couple’s vehicle, dogs and cell phones.   Elliott-Blakeslee, 63, worked as a doctor in Boise 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.