Heartfelt Farewell: Emily Pike Remembered and Laid to Rest in Her Beloved Hometown

PERIDOT, Ariz. — A San Carlos Apache teen was laid to rest in her hometown on Sunday amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of her death. Hundreds gathered in the San Carlos High School gymnasium to pay their respects to Emily Pike, whose story has deeply affected both her community and Indigenous tribes across the nation.

Pike’s remains were discovered in a remote area near Globe on Valentine’s Day, after she had gone missing for a month following her departure from a group home. Her aunt, Carolyn Pike Bender, described her as a bright and kind individual who had a love for butterflies and all things that sparkled. “We loved her,” she said. “She was an excitement to us.” Such a heartfelt farewell was tinged with a lingering demand for justice that remains unanswered.

The pain of losing Pike resonates strongly on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. “We’re a family-oriented group and we always look out for our own,” noted Kristopher Dosela, Spiritual Leader of the Redrum Motorcycle Club. Meanwhile, Cliff Matias, the club’s International President, emphasized the broader implications, stating, “This is an issue, an ongoing issue.” He highlighted the frustrations surrounding the lack of immediate action following Pike’s disappearance.

Pike’s family remembered her gentle spirit and bright smile. “She would always have a smile on her face,” shared her cousin Celena Rustin. The emotional memorial was not just a farewell but also a call to action, as the San Carlos Apache Tribe announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in her case.

Authorities urge anyone with information to reach out to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office at 928-200-2352, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Special Agent at 505-917-7830, or the San Carlos Apache Tribal Police Detective at 928-475-1755.