Missing Arizona Hiker Amber Barnett Found Dead in White Tank Mountains

The 52-year-old's remains were discovered seven months after she disappeared during a hike; the cause of death remains undetermined.

Amber Bretsch Barnett, a 52-year-old hiker, was reported missing in early April 2024 after failing to return from a hike in the White Tank Mountains near Waddell, Arizona.
Her car, containing her keys, purse, and other belongings, was found parked in Lot 7 at the trailhead shortly after her disappearance.
On November 24, 2024, human remains were discovered by another hiker in the White Tank Mountains and later identified as Barnett by authorities.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has not yet determined the cause of death, and homicide detectives are investigating the case.
Barnett was deeply religious and had a personal connection to the park, where she had previously held a memorial for her late husband earlier in the year.