Michelle Bernstein-Schultz loved her boys, and she loved hiking.
So, it was no surprise to anyone that in 2019, she would take on a unique hiking challenge.
Michelle planned to hike the 800-mile Arizona Trail with her 7-year-old son on her back. Her son had a disability that would make it dangerous for him to hike the trail alone, and she wanted him to experience it.
This challenge garnered Michelle some sponsorships, media attention, and support from the hiking community.
But Michelle’s happiness at that moment was short-lived, and she soon began struggling with custody of her boys.
In October 2021, Michelle moved in with a boyfriend in his apartment in Phoenix, Arizona.
Several months went by, seemingly uneventful.
On June 20, 2022, Michelle spoke to her mom, Patricia, telling her she hadn’t been feeling well.
On June 30, 2022, Michelle’s boyfriend texted Patricia telling them that he had just reported Michelle missing because he hadn’t seen her in a day and she had left behind all of her personal belongings. It was also extremely hot during this time- triple digits- and it could be dangerous for anyone to be outside unprepared for any length of time.