Woman Discovers Amelia Earhart Statue, Faces Community Scrutiny

Elaine Traverse’s unexpected discovery of a missing statue of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in Newfoundland has turned into a troubling saga rather than the financial windfall she hoped for. While out walking her dog in a remote area of Heart’s Content, Traverse stumbled upon the bronze figure, which had been missing since April 24, 2023. The statue, a tribute to Earhart’s historic solo flight across the Atlantic, had become a symbol of pride in the nearby town of Harbour Grace.

The statue was originally erected in 2007 through private donations, but its disappearance shocked locals and aviation enthusiasts alike. Town officials had issued a $25,000 reward for information leading to its recovery, believing it was stolen for scrap metal. Traverse, who has faced financial difficulties, saw a potential solution to her problems when she reported her find.

“I called the mayor at that time, and I said, ‘I was wondering if the reward was still being offered,’” Traverse recounted. While the mayor confirmed the reward was still valid, she was advised against retrieving the statue herself. Instead, she was referred to an investigator with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who raised concerns about her involvement in the statue’s disappearance, suggesting she could be arrested.

The statue, which depicts Earhart in a leather flight jacket and high boots, had been a focal point in Spirit of Harbour Grace Park. The park also boasts a vintage DC-3 plane, reinforcing the town’s deep ties to aviation history. The theft of the statue received widespread condemnation, with organizations like The Ninety-Nines expressing their dismay on social media, calling it “heartbreaking” and questioning the motives of those responsible.

Despite the joyful return of the statue on August 8, 2023, the circumstances surrounding its discovery have left Traverse in a precarious position. While Harbour Grace officials have publicly welcomed the statue back, they have not acknowledged Traverse’s role in its recovery, attributing the discovery to “a tip from the public.”

Traverse expressed her frustrations, noting that she was instructed to leave the statue in place and wait for law enforcement, which delayed its recovery process. “I used to go back twice a day to make sure she was still there,” she said, voicing her fears that someone else might find it first. As the excitement of the statue’s return faded, Traverse faced an unexpected backlash from the community.

Rumors began to circulate, damaging her reputation. “A lot of people are blaming me for stuff that I’m not doing,” she said. Despite taking a lie detector test to prove her innocence, Traverse feels trapped in a narrative that paints her in a negative light. Her son, who was with her when they discovered the statue, has a criminal record that has drawn additional suspicion, although he maintains he had no involvement in the statue’s theft.

The RCMP has declined to provide details about the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the case. “The identity of the person or persons responsible for the theft remains unknown,” an RCMP spokesperson stated.

As the community prepares for a rededication ceremony in spring 2024, a local artist has been commissioned to restore and reinforce the statue. The town’s insurer will cover the restoration costs, excluding the deductible. However, Traverse has not only been denied the reward but has also been left to navigate the fallout of a damaged reputation.

Councilor Christina Hearn indicated that there was an “expectation” from those who donated for the reward that it would lead to an arrest or conviction, but Traverse argues that the terms of the original announcement included the return of the statue as a valid pathway to the reward.

As questions linger about the statue’s theft and the events that followed, Traverse’s story remains unresolved. Like Earhart’s own mysterious final flight, the situation continues to evoke curiosity and concern among the community. The search for clarity may persist until more concrete evidence emerges regarding the theft and the individuals involved.