Woman Discovers Missing Amelia Earhart Statue, Faces Suspicion

Elaine Traverse discovered a missing statue of famed aviator Amelia Earhart while walking her dog in a remote area of Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, on August 8, 2023. The statue had been a symbol of local pride since its installation in 2007 but disappeared under mysterious circumstances on April 24, 2023. Initially thought to be stolen, the statue was reportedly taken to sell its bronze for scrap.

The statue commemorated Earhart’s pioneering flight across the Atlantic Ocean, which began in Harbour Grace, a town known for its aviation history. Town officials announced a reward of $25,000 for information leading to its recovery, creating a sense of urgency within the community and beyond.

Traverse, who is disabled and unable to walk long distances, recounted how she found the statue in five fragmented pieces while exploring the area with her dog. After calling her adult son for help, Traverse contacted the then-mayor, Don Coombs, to inquire about the reward for the statue’s return. Although the mayor confirmed that the reward was still available, he declined her offer to personally deliver the pieces.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) soon became involved, advising Traverse to refrain from moving the statue until they could investigate. Traverse expressed her disappointment that her contributions to recovering the statue were not acknowledged in subsequent announcements. Instead, town officials credited a “tip from the public” for the recovery.

The statue’s disappearance elicited a strong emotional response from the community and aviation enthusiasts worldwide. The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, expressed their heartbreak over the theft, questioning the motivations behind such an act. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station captured a vehicle in the vicinity of the statue at the time of its theft, but no suspects have been identified.

Traverse’s excitement turned to anxiety when police suggested she might be a suspect due to her son’s previous criminal record. She maintains that neither she nor her son was involved in the statue’s theft, emphasizing that he was incarcerated at the time of the incident. Both have reportedly passed lie detector tests confirming their innocence.

Despite the statue’s recovery, Traverse has faced ongoing scrutiny and speculation within her community. “A lot of people are blaming me for stuff that I’m not doing,” she said, highlighting the toll the situation has taken on her reputation.

Following the statue’s return, the local government announced plans to restore it, with the cost covered by insurance, excluding the deductible. A local artist has been commissioned to reassemble the statue before a rededication ceremony scheduled for next spring.

Traverse has yet to receive a reward and has not faced criminal charges. Harbour Grace officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the investigation, with the RCMP stating that the identity of the individuals responsible for the theft remains unknown.

While the community celebrates the statue’s return, the questions surrounding its theft and the implications for Traverse linger. Councilor Christina Hearn noted that those who contributed to the reward expected it to lead to an arrest or conviction. However, Traverse argues that the original announcement allowed for the return of the statue as an alternative to arrest.

As the investigation continues, both the community and Traverse remain in a state of uncertainty, reflecting the enigmatic legacy of Amelia Earhart herself.