Though investigation continues, active search for woman has come to an end 

SUNDANCE (WNE) — The search for 65-year-old Linda Thacker was called to a halt on Thursday after more than a week of multi-agency efforts. The decision was made after extensive operations yielded no additional evidence to support her continued presence in the Boundary Gulch area, south of Beulah, according to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office. 

“At this stage in the search for Linda Thacker, we have made the difficult decision to suspend active search operations in Boundary Gulch as of 08:00 hours on August 28,” said Sheriff Jeff Hodge in a statement. “This decision does not mark the end of our efforts – our investigation remains ongoing.” 

The search may begin again if there is credible evidence that Thacker may still be within or near the area. 

Both Crook County and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Offices are involved in the investigation, which has included interviews with family and active follow-ups on information from cell records. 

According to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, however, there are indications that Thacker may not wish to be found. 

Thacker went missing from St. Onge, South Dakota. On August 19, a family member requested a welfare check for Thacker, who had been out of contact with family since the day before. 

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office began a cooperative effort to find Thacker.

Over the course of the nine days during which the active search continued, the deployed resources included a Lakota helicopter, Blackhawk helicopter, three man-tracker teams, two K-9 tracking teams, five K-9 cadaver teams, multiple drones and multiple search and rescue teams from agencies across Wyoming and South Dakota. 

Between August 20 and 22, around 35 searchers were deployed at any one time. 

Anyone who has any information regarding Thacker’s whereabouts, is encouraged to contact the Crook County Sheriff’s Office at 307-283-1225 or Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 605-578-2230.

This story was published on Sept. 4, 2025.