ANCHORAGE, Alaska — After Talkeetna musher Melanie Gould, 34, was found Saturday in Cantwell, there are now mixed opinions on whether Gould owes an explanation as to why she disappeared.
The search for Gould began more than a week ago after her friends reported she failed to show up to work, and left her dog team unattended. When her truck was found last Saturday off the Denali Highway by an Alaska Wildlife Trooper in a helicopter, Alaska State Troopers joined the search efforts.
Troopers called off an extensive three-day search of the area Thursday that involved 25 ground searchers, more than 20 different search dogs, 185 flight hours and four ATVs that covered 400 miles of trails.
A search team made up of friends and concerned citizens located Gould on Saturday afternoon. She was taken to Mat-Su Regional Hospital, according to troopers spokesperson Megan Peters.
On Saturday night, the Facebook page her friends created titled "Have you seen Melanie Gould" was removed. Soon after, three new pages were formed, titled "We want answers from Melanie Gould," "Have you seen Melanie Gould's page?", and "We love you Melanie Gould and are so happy you are home."
Followers of Channel 2's Facebook page commented on the story. The majority of them said that they were glad and relieved Gould was found safe. However, some people want answers, saying her search was public and the story behind the rescue should be also.
"The Facebook page has disappeared. This whole thing is fishy. 3,500 page followers looking for her and they don't even have the decency to explain what happened. She knew people were searching for her and avoided them?" wrote Channel 2 Facebook follower Meredith Sherman.
A post made on the "Have you seen Melanie Gould" page before it was taken down, read "Remember it is Melanie's business whether to tell anyone what happened. She doesn't have to ever tell any of us anything."
Peters confirmed that Gould indicated that she saw the search efforts and stayed away.
