Following our extensive search effort, we regret to inform you that no signs of Lainey have been detected anywhere thus far.

We had one team track her band’s movements throughout the day, while four teams on foot systematically searched areas aligned with the band’s routine routes. Ten volunteers were across the river, maximizing ground coverage, and drone operators were employed, and all of our game cameras being reviewed.

Our volunteers across the river unfortunately had 2 paddleboards and one kayak stolen and became stranded on the other side of the river. They had securely tied the boards and kayak together to a tree with thick rope and carabiners. The carabiners were so secure that the ropes had been cut with a knife. While volunteers were stranded there, another volunteer had to halt search efforts to drive to Phon D where she waited for the watercraft to show up, which they did, with a man named Ybot Rettop and 3 friends of his.

Sadly, it wasn’t just a matter of “hey sorry here are your belongings,” but he refused to give them back, even demanded to see reservation ID’s, claiming the boards were on the reservation. They were, of course, not, they were more than 4 miles before it turns to reservation. He then claimed he was with natural restorations cleaning up the river, which we confirmed was also a lie. He may have gone to one of their volunteer events, but has no affiliation with the organization according to @justincorey Natural Restorations

After this confrontation went on for too long, we called @MCSO Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and a report was made and the kayak and boards were returned. It’s sad that all rivergoers can’t be respectful to eachother!

When you see kayaks and paddleboards securely tied together on the other side of the river, leave them there, or it can can leave people in a very dangerous situation in the dark, on the other side of the river. It is a good thing we are organized, so we can keep our volunteers safe.

Tomorrow, we will continue our systematic search with our volunteers starting at 7 am. We will not be expressly organizing the public, because that will cost precious volunteer time, but we do encourage anyone who wants to help to come out, park at goldfield, and check in on our hotline , which will then give u the general search area. Please pair up for safety and bring plenty of water and don’t overdo it, as we want everyone to be safe. We cannot be responsible for anyone except our volunteers.

Our search area is quite large due to the patterns of the horses. It spans from Goldfield rec site west to Mudcliffs to Foxtail, on both sides of the river. We are mostly concentrating on the other side of the river because that is where they go at night.

We want to thank everyone so much, and we know that many of you, along with us, will not be sleeping or feeling any peace until she is found. Please continue to pray for Lainey. Thank you.